The Night of the Hunter

Starring: Robert Mitchum, Shelley Winters, Lillian Gish, Billy Chapin, Sally Jane Bruce, James Gleason, Evelyn Varder, Peter Graves, Don Beddoe
Directed by: Charles Laughton
Rating: Not rated
Genre: Drama, Film Noir
1955

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: A psychopathic preacher (Robert Mitchum) marries a widow (Shelley Winters) and terrorizes her children (Billy Chapin, Sally Jane Bruce) to find $10,000 their deceased father entrusted to them.

Review:

Tim: I'm still reeling from The Night of the Hunter. Actor Charles Laughton directed one movie in his life, and it's a doozy. This film is challenging to describe- it's a drama and film noir, but it takes on these subtle horror tones. I was legitimately unsettled by much of what happened in this film, although none of it is expressed in overt, noticeable details. It's the quiet moments that get you- the silhouette of a man on a horse, the a capella singing of a Gospel song. It all combines to deliver an unforgettable, troubling film. It helps that Laughton directs a beautifully chilling film- the cinematography was outstanding, the staging of different scenes. This film is truly special.

Much of the film's inherent drama comes from the fact that two young children are put into peril. Their precarious situation is uncomfortable at the best of times, chilling at the worst. We see these defenseless children seeing their life shattered- first by the arrest of their father, then by his execution. Then, their mother marries a "man of God", a stern preacher. What they don't see at first is that the preacher is anything but holy. He's a true psychopath who will stop at nothing to obtain money from a bank robbery. The film doesn't flinch at depicting his wickedness. The bulk of the the film involves these two kids trying to escape his clutches. It's intense, thrilling, unforgettable.

I have to give Robert Mitchum immense credit for bringing this preacher to life. Harry Powell is a madman. I was impressed that a film in 1955 would make a clergyman such a despicable human being. It's a fascinating study in dichotomy. The film always makes it about this one man, but I have to believe it purposely touched on deeper themes of the buried evil in some men, even those who purport to have dedicated their lives to God. There are many men across the world just like Powell- on the surface, faithful, but their hearts are filled with darkness. To see this depicted so clearly on screen, it catches your breath in your throat. Mitchum is excellent in this role, giving a completely unhinged performance. He's not always great- the arm injury acting felt comical to me. Even that, though, feels like it might be in character- this preacher is insane.

As if this isn't enough, there are two other iconic, perfect aspects of this character. First, that he has the words "Love" and "Hate" written on his knuckles. This has been done many times since, but to the best of my knowledge, this film either originated that, or first made it popular in public consciousness. That is amazing. There's something so terrible about this- it speaks to the inherent duality of human beings, especially this character. It's chilling to see it on this character. I loved it. Secondly, any viewer of this film will know instantly when I talk about Harry Powell's song- "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms." Mitchum's singing of this song makes your blood freeze. It's brilliant. You have this evil monster, disguised as a preacher. He sings an old Gospel song, perverted from its meaning- the listeners to this song are very much not safe and secure. It's a perversion of everything beautiful in that song. It's haunting, it gets under your skin and it's impossible to forget.

I do want to comment on a scene that first appears absurd- he sings this song outside of a home, and the woman inside enters a duet with him. And first, I thought, "Really? The lady is having a duet with a killer?" But, Laughton is masterful in this depiction- Powell is singing the perverted, evil use of this song. The woman makes the song about Jesus, about the good of religion. It's this absolutely perfect scene of the forces of good and evil, darkness and light, locked in swirling combat against each other. It makes The Night of the Hunter a great movie.

Shelley Winters gives an authentic, believable performance. I desperately wish she got more screen time. Winters makes a lasting impression throughout this film. Billy Chapin was stunningly good as John. He exudes such innocence, yet fire and determination. It's a wonderful performance. Sally Jane Bruce isn't as good, but she was so young- she works well enough for her performance to work more often than it doesn't. I also adored Lillian Gish in this film. I'd only ever seen her in silent movies, so I felt stunned to see what a grounded, beautiful performance she gives. She was one talented lady and makes a lasting impression in this film.

I have to say, I loved The Night of the Hunter. The story has some ups and downs, but Robert Mitchum is so chilling as Harry Powell, he makes for one of the all-time great movie villains. No doubt, in any list of the greatest antagonists ever to grace the silver screen, I'd put him right up there with any other bad guy. But, this isn't just a thriller. Laughton directs a movie that manages to be both beautiful and chilling at the same time. Watch the scenes of the children escaping down the river. The cinematography, the focus on innocent animals bordering the riverside- it's art, among the most beautiful scenes I've seen in a long time. Another perfect scene is the visual of the woman under the water- it's gorgeously shot, even though it chills your soul to watch. I honestly couldn't believe they used a dummy- it looked so lifelike. It's this haunting, beautiful, terrible shot that shows the genius of Laughton as a director. It's this contrast- something so horrible and yet so beautiful that truly separates The Night of the Hunter. This film has flaws, but they pale in comparison to its brilliant moments.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 8



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Intolerance, Cape Fear