A video essay about Charles Laughton's macabre fairy tale for adults about a mass murderer who simply wants a doll.
Here I analyze the elements that led "The Night of the Hunter" to be elevated across movie history. Its universal Good vs. Evil narrative aided by its highly unique chiaroscuro visuals. This is, after all, an extremely unusual film, and it was one even upon its release.
During the Great Depression, serial killer "Preacher" Harry Powell (Robert Mitchum) finds out his former cellmate hid 10,000 dollars in his house. Charming his way through the town, Powell marries the widow (Shelley Winters) and does all he can to make her children John and Pearl reveal where is the money. Soon they'll have no one to turn to but the benevolent protector Rachel Cooper (Lilian Gish).
A classic earns its place in the canon through recognizable quality. It stands out from heaps of contemporaneous works to always be named as the highest point an artform can aspire to. A classic prospers through history; it is canonized by time. Artistry alone can guarantee survival because history gives no handouts. Times change, cultures change, peoples change, but beauty, craft and excellence always remain. This series is a celebration of the pantheon of great films.
I found out while making this video that "Laughton" is pronounced Law-tuhn. I always said Laugh-tuhn, as in laugh. You learn something new everyday.
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