I agree with Dan and NOT rating some cinematographers over others, especially when they come from different time periods and have aimed to achieve different objectives.
Right now I'm into Sergei Urusevsky, for films such as Soy Cuba & The Cranes are Flying which has some really crafty B&W shots that after review are tricky to explain how it was actually shot. For example, in Soy Cuba towards the start of the film there is a rediculious long take starting on the roof of a hotel during a tropical modeling show/fiesta (seems like hand-held) as we are taken through the party than reaching the roof's edge the camera is lowered the entire hight of the building down to the pool deck. The camera continues to walk among the crowd and finally follows a hot babe into a large pool to end the shot with underwater photography. Absolutely amazing planning and they must have had intense rehersals with all of the actors and extras.
If you haven't seen either of these films I strongly suggest you check them out!!
