The Night of The Hunter - a unique Hollywood classic (The Night Of The Hunter (DVD))

Member Name: bergkamp10

Product:	The Night Of The Hunter (DVD)
Date:	06/08/09 (13 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Film

Disadvantages: Lack of special features

Sadly, this was Charles Laughton's only film as a director - its box office failings shattered his confidence, leaving him with no desire to direct ever again. It is often considered the greatest film by someone who only directed a single film, and rightly so, with the possible exception of Jean Vigo. The Night of the Hunter is one of the most mystical and suspenseful films ever produced by Hollywood.

This depression era film follows a false preacher, Harry Powell (played by the great Robert Mitchum), as he attempts to steal money from two children whose father was arrested and left a bag full of cash for the boy to take resposibility and keep hold of until their adulthood has been reached. The first two thirds or so of the film shows Powell's escapades and fearsome doings as he marries the mother of the two children (who is unaware of the money), then slowly installs fear into the boy whilst trying to get Pearl, the girl, on his side. I shalln't spoil any more of the plot, but I will say that the third act focuses on a foster mother who cares for the children and protects them from Powell.

Laughton's direction, along with film critic Agee's screenplay, create several moments of pure fear - a particularly memorable scene is when Powell sits outside whistling all night whilst Rachel Cooper, the kind carer, looks sits with a shotgun in her hands. The silhouette of Powell under the street lamp creates an iconic shot. Also memorable is Powell's tatoo's on his hands: "LOVE" and "HATE". This further gives the audience a feeling of helplessness as the townsfolk are either completely ignorant or unaware of the possibility of Powell having ulterior motives or are too cowardly to do anything about it.

Often seen as Mitchum's best performance, Powell is a character that lingers long in the memory and helps to cement The Night of The Hunter as not only a unique Hollywood classic but also a reminder of the potential lost through Laughton's talents behind the chair.

Summary: A true classic, worthy of its acclaim