Review of The Night of the Hunter (1955) by Luke P — 04 Jun 2008
The critical and commercial drubbing The Night of the Hunter received upon release caused director Charles Laughton to vow never to direct again. This was a great loss to cinema, as Night of the Hunter demonstrated what a great visualist and storyteller Laughton was.
Shot in stark but beautiful expressionist-style heavy shadows, Laughton's eye for composition and visuals was breathtaking. The whole of this film is stunning to look at, as the shadows become almost another character in themselves.
He is helped by a superbly-creepy performance from Robert Mitchum, as the murderous preacher with love-hate tattooed on his knuckles, terrifying every second hes on screen. Parts of this film haven't dated too well, but thats too be expected for a film made over fifty years ago, but otherwise, this is an experience every bit as rewarding as it most of been back in 1955.
Creepy, scary but beautiful to look at, The Night of the Hunter is a true classic.
This review of The Night of the Hunter (1955) was written by Luke P on 04 Jun 2008.
The Night of the Hunter has generally received very positive reviews.
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