Review of The Night of the Hunter (1955) by Arash B — 30 Nov 2012

Wikipedia: ''Its plot focuses on a corrupt reverend-turned-serial killer who uses his charms to woo an unsuspecting widow and her two children in an attempt to steal a fortune hidden by the woman's dead husband.''.

''Chillll . . . dren.''.

Charles Laughton previously captivated me with his acting in ''Mutiny on the Bounty,'' and ''Witness for the Prosecution,'' but now he really blew my mind with his directing in ''The Night of the Hunter,'' which is sadly the only film he did behind the camera, due to it astonishingly being both a commercial and critical failure when it was released. One particular underwater shot was unbelievable! Some other shots of various animals were really beautifully done as well. Gorgeous black & white photography and cinematography. And the acting by Robert Mitchum was really something else. He delivers a subtle, malevolent performance as the corrupt reverend-turned-serial killer; a true wolf in sheep's clothing. Definitely one of the greatest acting performances I've ever seen! I also liked how there was a biblical symbolism regarding the story of Moses; who was sought to be persecuted as a child, but escaped evil. The ending line summed it all up: ''You know, when you're little, you have more endurance than God is ever to grant you again. Children are man at his strongest. They abide.'' Said to be one of the most terrifying films ever made, and take my word for it, it was pretty demented stuff. A beautiful nightmare! Highly recommended.