Review of The Night of the Hunter (1955) by Alex K — 31 Oct 2009

I just don't get it. This movie is supposed to be great. It's supposed to be a classic. And I have a good track record with liking classics. I pride myself with not being one of those people who think explosions make for a good movie.

But this movie sucks. Yes, I think that. I just hate it. This isn't the case where it's a well made movie but I didn't care for it, I outright think this is a bad movie. Two good things, first.

Laughton has a pretty good directorial debut. This movie has some truly spectacular shots, and a very good noir feel. But, there are a lot of poor directorial decisions as well. On a second point, Preacher Powell is a great villain.

Suave and seductive, while also a dick and slightly insane. Unfortunately the film gives him no good protagonist, as every single person in this movie is an idiot, aside from the boy, but he is useless.

The story is criminally simple, and has very little depth. The beginning is a little more varied, but then it devolves into a predictable chase sequence. The characters are weak and underdeveloped. The little girl cannot act at all, and the old lady who shelters them has a weird habit of preaching directly at the camera.

And the whole plot transpires only to have the boy break down and give away the money at the end. That basically devolves the movie into a colossal fucking waste of time. No, I won't accept it. I have no idea what makes this movie great, aside from the villain and cinematography.

It's cheesy, it's preachy, and it's stupidly thin. I also have no idea how this movie would constitute as frightening. I'm in a strange minority. The movie just didn't really have it for me.

I can see why people like it, but I unfortunately think is a bad film and very much overrated.