Review of The Night of the Hunter (1955) by James-Masaki R — 25 Feb 2011

Charles Laughton only directed 1 film in this career, and with only that film he is cemeted as one of the greatest directors ever. His direction on the acting, the visuals, and theme are just pretty much perfect.

But was it a frightening, disturbing, yet beautiful journey to the end. Robert Mitchum is perfect as the preacherman who has no problem using the words of the lord to lie, cheat, steal, and kill. The river scene is one of the most peaceful dreamlike scenes ever, although coming out from that very disturbing scream scene, and well the list goes on and on.

With all the reasons that the film works so well, no wonder it was a flop in its time...