I watched Jacques Tourneur's Build My Gallows High again this evening. Made in 1947 it starred Jane Greer, Kirk Douglas and a memorable Robert Mitchum. It is a wonderful late 40s film noir.
I looked up the review in Monthly Film Bulletin for 1947. This was the British Film Institute journal of record and still is although now titled Sight & Sound . It said it was confusing, complicated, disjointed and required so much concentration as to be unentertaining, although the performances were good.
It is indeed some of those things.
I looked up a review from 2016 in a reference book I respect and so consult. It said it is stylish. atmospheric, highly watchable and a highly recommended masterpiece. It rates it ***** and outstanding.
I agree with the 2016 opinion and that is why (discerning?) people still watch the film nearly 80 years after it was made - but I suppose it illustrates how time influences opinions.
But then Citizen Kane was not universally received well upon release in 1941 and is now regarded by all sane observers as the greatest film ever made.