Review of The Night of the Hunter (1955) by Patrick D — 10 Dec 2009
Arguably one of the greatest movies ever made, I watched this the other night with my dad and am surprised at how well it holds up. Everything about it is perfect. Robert Mitchum plays one of the most evil characters in film history as murderous preacher Harry Powell, who overhears of hidden money from a robber sentenced to be hanged.
Unfortunately, that man's (Peter Graves) kids have swore to take the secret of the money to heart, and Powell would be more than glad to cut that heart out of them. Mitchum's performance is terrifying, similar to his turn in Cape Fear, right down to the "LOVE" "HATE" tattoos on his left and right hand, which he so eloquently personifies throughout the film.
Contrast to Powell is Lillian Gish's foster mother, who represents the purity of good, and solace for the children from Powell. Everything from as minor as the starry backdrops to Mitchum's scream when the children evade him by boat is cinema gold.
And why this was influential actor Charles Laughton's only directorial effort is lost on me. A Masterpiece.
This review of The Night of the Hunter (1955) was written by Patrick D on 10 Dec 2009.
The Night of the Hunter has generally received very positive reviews.
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