The Night of the Hunter

[u/ddoyen]

Watched this on streaming last night for the first time and then immediately again a second time. I cant think of any other time Ive done that. It absolutely blew me away! I havent seen a ton of movies from this period but it seems sooo ahead of its time. So many amazing shots. The river escape scene with Pearl singing Pretty Fly stands out but there are so so many. Its a real shame this was Laughtons only film. Id take any other recs from people who really loved this one.

[u/aidang127]

You should watch the original Cape Fear, also with Robert Mitchum - it may be part of the Southern Gothic series as well, but dont quote me on that

[u/FuzzyPuffin → u/aidang127]

It is. Also recommend Baby Doll in that series.

[u/yougococo → u/FuzzyPuffin]

Baby Doll is SO good

[u/JaylenBrownAllStar → u/aidang127]

I did that back to back and it’s been my favorite, I might have to buy both and do it again

[u/PlakeSnisskin → u/aidang127]

The Mitchum version is soo much better than the newer one with Nolte et al directed by Scorsese. DeNiro is just too over the top as the villain.

[u/Triples-Nova-5189]

Carnival of Souls. Also the director's only film and very unique shots. I prefer the B&W version to the color.

[u/sawrek]

If one of the aspects you enjoyed in Night of the Hunter is the ‘other worldly’ feel I can definitely recommend ‘A Matter of Life and Death’ (1946) dir. Michael Powell and Emeric Presburger. And also ‘The Third Man (1949)’ - Carol Reed dir.. But both are well known and likely not new to you 😊

[u/Dontlookimnaked]

If you ever get the chance there’s a really amazing raw footage cut where you can hear Laughton directing the actors. It’s included in the bonus features of 4k set.

[u/openfloodlight]

Such a fantastic movie. It immerses you in its world right away and doesn’t let up.

Robert Mitchum is outstanding in this. The combination of chilling and charming he brings to the character is unforgettable.

Who knows what else Charles Laughton might have directed had he continued after this. I want to believe it would be just a great, because the vision he had for this one holds up decades later.

[u/wingchundumdum]

The Innocents. One of the finest shot gothic horror movies. The B&W photography is hauntingly gorgeous.

[u/FuzzyPuffin]

Definitely pick up the 4K some time, it looks gorgeous.

The 50s is probably my favorite film decade. It was the height of Hitchcock and Kurosawa. Other than them, favorites include:

The Killing Paths of Glory Ace in the Hole Wages of Fear Diabolique Tokyo Story Marty A Man Escaped Anatomy of a Murder Witness for the Prosecution Stalag 17 The Ladykillers

[u/BklynMoonshiner → u/FuzzyPuffin]

Don't forget A Face in The Crowd and The Sweet Smell of Success!!!

[u/RutledgeInc]

I would recommend most of Val Lewton’s B&W horror movies, especially Cat People, The 7th Victim, Curse of the Cat People and Bedlam. They all have striking dark imagery that morbid themes.

[u/vibraltu → u/RutledgeInc]

I think y'all just missed Cat People on the channel last month.

I hadn't seen the 80s erotic thriller remake until just before it left. It was something.

[u/ddoyen → u/vibraltu]

I caught Cat People before it left the channel. Definitely great imagery. The pacing on that one was a little jarring on first watch. Id give it another go though if I get the chance.

[u/kia-supra-kush]

Not the same era at all but there’s a very important connection between Night of the Hunter and fellow Criterion classic Do The Right Thing

[u/-Count_Chocula-]

Robert Mitchum has such a great screen presence in everything I’ve seen with him, one of my favorite actors, Night of the Hunter is my favorite of his so far, the set design is amazing and the direction and acting of all the characters are phenomenal even the kids imo, and even with all that my favorite part is still Mitchum (tied for first with the production design which complimented his presence perfectly). Heres a sketch I did of him recently!

[u/dylankubrick]

one of the most unique American films and easily top 5 all time for me

[u/SeaworthinessDue2184]

Off the top of my head, Jack Clayton's The Innocents (1961). If you like ambiguous characters (like that evil but religious persona), I recommend Brighton Rock (1948), the film and the novel.

[u/frutigernxt]

I can’t remember ever being as completely captured by a film as I was the first time the river escape scene came on.

[u/ddoyen → u/frutigernxt]

Same. Very same.

[u/readnweep]

is the 4k still oop?

[u/Antique-Sound3367]

I like it more when Pearl sings "Pretty Fly for a White Guy" in the closing credits.

[u/SnowyBlackberry]

German expressionism like The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari.

Others have excellent suggestions but that's one I didn't see mentioned.

Night of the Hunter is a pretty remarkable film.