The Night of the Hunter

El Biffo

I love this film except for the sanctimonious Lillian Gish, she gets on my nerves. She was ok in THE WIND, but her presence in this film practically ruins it. Mitchum is great, so are the little kids.

msmichel

Though not successful with the public or critically upon release Laughton's sole directorial effort is now considered an American classic. The gothic expressionism seen throughout is certainly unique with its mix of fiery brimstone, true faith and the innocence of childhood. Mitchum gives his most memorable performance here with stellar support from the rest of the cast. A story of love and hate indeed.

HKFanatic

A stunning work of Southern Gothic and one of the rare Fifties Hollywood films that manages to feel strikingly avant garde. One can sense its far-reaching influence on filmmakers like David Lynch. Aided by moody, Expressionistic lighting and a healthy dose of irony, "The Night of the Hunter" is one of the best works of art about Christian hypocrisy and the duality of man outside the writing of Flannery O'Connor.

ASHES IN THE HOURGLASS

It accomplishes the near impossible: It sets a fairy-tale during the Great Depression and balances the fantastic and the sorrow. Admittedly, it took me a second viewing before I stopped thinking that the child actors were bad and I'm sure others will have the same issue. If I had to point it's best asset, it would be the mise en scene (lighting especially) which gives Mitchum's preacher the aura of the grim reaper.

Zac Weber

The Night of the Hunter is an American classic. Former Orson Welles collaborator Stanley Cortez’s vivid black-and-white cinematography perfectly accentuates the film's mood, especially the use of shadows and formalist lighting. It's a shame Charles Laughton never directed another film.

José Neves

Director of just one film, a wonderful film, but since quantity is no criterion, never will be, it belongs, in all fairness, in this choice of favorite filmmakers. And is in "con le armi della poesia" not because of Mitchum, as the pick shows, but because of the great Lilian Gish, in her final immense moment. And also because of Shelley Winters eyes of fear for the big bad wolf.

Frankly, Mr. Shankly

Superb thriller (and somewhat a children’s tale) with incredible dreamlike cinematography. Also, Robert Mitchum and his unmistakable cynical look as a malevolent figure of religious quackery and fanaticism? Priceless. And poor Shelley Winters, playing the unloved widow condemned to death as in Kubrick’s Lolita.

Zach Closs

While Robert Mitchum is indeed praiseworthy, the rest of the movie is completely at ends with itself. The film is gripping, but atrocious overacting from the rest of the cast and a melodramatic story that starts as the study of a deranged religious man and becomes religious propaganda really ruined my enjoyment of it.