If you have not seen Sunrise, one of the great silent films, which is on the list, you should. As to Keaton, The General made this list in years past. I'm not as into 7 Chances as much as you (but I do really like it; I like all Keaton's silent features). I think I'd go with Sherlock, Jr. or The Navigator as Keaton's best films.
I'm glad to see Vertigo get some respect, but I'd not rate it # 1 film or even #1 Hitchcock; but it is a masterpiece. I think 2001 is vastly over-rated. I'd have put Barry Lyndon ahead of it as far as Kubrick films are concerned.
I'm curious, which Hitchcock film do you think is better than Vertigo? The one I've probably watched the most is The Lady Vanishes. The chemistry between the main characters is tremendous. I'll have to check out Sunrise.
I just finished watching Sunrise. You were right. That was a great film! Each scene was like a painting. I really liked the "Luncheon of the Boating Party" in the beginning. Obviously the director was paying homage to the Renoir painting.
The director used the multiple exposures of the same film to really excellent levels in the film. There was a traveling matte shot that I'm not sure how he did without a green screen. It was really phenomenal.
If I can offer a criticism...I love my wife. I would do anything for her. I would die to save her, but I'm not sure that I could forgive her after she tried to kill me. That's not something that you can just gloss over in your relationship.
As soon as the wife was woozy from drinking, I knew what was going to happen. I knew that he would give her the bulrushes to save her.
The ending was satisfying. It was sort of a 'rebirth from the water'.
Next I'll watch Wings like you recommended.