Review of The Night of the Hunter (1955) by Michael A — 05 Apr 2009
Plays like a delicious cross between Alfred Hitchcock, Walt Disney and German expressionism. One of the best-looking films I have ever seen, it remains a visual, thoughtful, and chilling classic. The casting is superb.
Mitchum naturally steals every scene he's in, but credit must also go to Billy Chaplin and Evelyn Varden for portraying the most convincing child characters to ever appear on film, as well as Lillian Gish and Shelley Winters for both giving the finest performances of their respective careers.
In a bold move, the film concludes on a ponderous, intellectual note rather than a loud action finale. It couldn't be more appropriate. One of the best American films.
This review of The Night of the Hunter (1955) was written by Michael A on 05 Apr 2009.
The Night of the Hunter has generally received very positive reviews.
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