Review of The Night of the Hunter (1955) by Sam P — 11 Apr 2012

Night of The Hunter was critically panned when it was released and completely ignored at the box office. If you ever need proof that even critics are idiots, this is it. This film was absolutely amazing, a brilliant first time direction from the actor Charles Loughton, who unfortunately never directed again, with his style impacting on several directors, one of which I noticed was Martin Scorsese.

The child actors in this film are two of the best I have ever seen, they carry the film as the heroes and work very well with both the camera and the actors opposite them, especially the male child actor, who was very impressive in his dictation and impressions.

However, this film is all about one of the most terrifying villains ever, Robert Mitchumâ(TM)s Harry Powell. The idea of a murderous preacher, an original idea that utilizes the option of something terrifying in plain and unobvious sight, is a brilliant idea, and most of the time you donâ(TM)t really see Mitchum, you see his shadow, in the style of a demonic force following you at every turn. At one point the child actor says of Powell as he chases them âDoesnâ(TM)t he ever sleep?!â? And you can easily believe he wouldnâ(TM)t. Powell is the original Terminator, a frightening depiction of pure evil by Mitchum, and I am actually struggling to think of a villain with as much screen presence as this character, beating maybe even The Terminator and The Joker (Heath Ledger).

This is a film that flies by, with some magnificent camera angles and use of shadow, as well as a lovely scene where you see animal life living normally as the children float by on the river in the background. Definitely highly recommended, must be seen by ALL movie fans.