I remember that Hitchcock used 3-D on "Dial M for Murder" He was forced to and not happy about it, but nevertheless, I have heard he did not go for "gimmick" shots and actually used the third dimension in ways that were motivated by the plot (he was the master of using new technology to its fullest, after all). I haven't actually seen the film in this fashion, so I can only speak about what I've heard
3-D is just another tool, and tools can be used for art or exploitation (or the merging of the two :rolleyes:)
Problem with 3-D is that it was created and employed for the purpose of cheap thrills, and has yet to move out of that realm. It has potential put in the right hands, I feel. We just need some innovative mind to break through with a unique vision that bumps 3-D into the realm of art.