The film of the week this time is NIGHT OF THE HUNTER.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0048424/

Sorry for the delay this week. I was going to think of an excuse but then I realize I couldn't be bothered. Anyway, this is quite an interesting film. It was the only film that Charles Laughton directed, which is a shame because he clearly knows what he is doing. Laughton was a terrific actor but I think he should have directed more. Apparently this film was poorly recieved when it came out and Laughton was so dissapointed that he vowed he would never direct again. Whatever the reason we have The Night Of The Hunter, a fantastic and eerie film. Robert Mitchum stars as religous fanatic who marrier a woman so he can find out from her children where their real father hid a large sum of money. Mitchum was a very odd actor. Unlike most he had an indifference to the hollywood system and those who worked in it.

He was very self deprecating, and critisized many famous actors like John Wayne, and Steve McQueen. He also tends to give a very subdued performance which can sometimes border on being very wooden. Almost as if he is bored by the role. Here though he takes over the screen. He has a terrifying presence that burns with an inner rage. The scenes between him and the kids are especially creepy since a lot of people hate seeing children in peril. If you like a good creepy character based drama then I recommend this. Did I mention the film looks stunning? Not many first time directors can achieve the kind of visual splendor displayed in this film.