Review of The Night of the Hunter (1955) by Daniel K — 21 Nov 2010

5: Amazing. The only film I can really compare it to is Citizen Kane, which is certainly an indication of the films power and brilliance. There's nothing else quite like it. It's probably one of the more tragic stories in the history of cinema.

Laughton invested all of himself in the film, but was rejected by the critics and audiences of the day. His vision was sadly only embraced once he was gone. It's painful to imagine what he might have achieved if things had gone differently; the same is true of Welles of course, but to a lesser extent.

The use of shadows is unforgettable. The same is true of deep focus, framing, and set design. It's obvious that this is an artificial world, but it doesn't seem that way. It seems a world unto itself, apart from reality, but heightened just the same.

The stars glitter brilliantly; the river flows and is banked like no other; the performances are indelible. Mitchum is perfection itself. It is a deeply disturbing and unforgettable character. His voice is perfect, as are his mannerisms.

The children leave nothing to be desired. Gish is the ideal mother goose. The visuals are truly ridiculous. It seems as if each and every screen and frame was made for framing. How is it possible Laughton had this good of an eye, ear, and mind and only fully utilized it once? It colours everything else he ever did once one realizes he was such a unique auteur.

To actually create something as unique and powerful as this is rather astounding. The religious and biblical overtones make it that much more timeless and effecting. It is an even more powerful film for me given the special features attached and the manner in which I was introduced to the.

I first saw the film on DVD while attending Columbia. However, I eventually saw a premastered version at The Film Forum, after which Robert Gitt narrated a multiple hour look into the extra footage, which showed Laughton at work.

It was a magical experience and one I will not soon forget. I'm overjoyed it has been released in a pristine version on Blu-Ray. Criterion of course. Who else?