Tuesday, November 9, 2010

It's a Hard World for Little Things

There's a great article in Slate today about one of my favorite movies of all time, "Night of the Hunter." If you've seen it, you remember it. Robert Mitchum as "Preacher." HATE tattooed on the knuckles of one hand, LOVE tattooed on the knuckes of the other. He's come to town hunting for $10,000 in stolen loot.



The only movie Charles Laughton ever directed. Pauline Kael called it "one of the most frightening films ever made." I love the scene below; if the Preacher sees the world as a battle between good and evil, then think of this scene as a duet between the dueling natures of Christianity.

That's Lillian Gish in the chair, holding the shotgun. Make sure and watch the end, with the owl and the bunny, and that killer last line.

7 comments:

Sueann said...

I agree! This movie was so frightening. Had me on the edge of my seat for sure.
Hugs
SueAnn

Gwil W said...

It's a hard world for little things.

Laurita said...

I've heard of this movie, but I've never seen it. Looks like I'll have to *ahem* hunt it down.

willwood said...

Even the clips were scary

Fresca said...

Haven't seen this in ages, but RM's performance is still sharp in my brain.

Clowncar said...

It is deeply scary, Sue. All those shadows, looming everywhere. Great cinematography. And Mr. Mitchum of course.

PiR. Where have I heard that before?

You really need to find it, Laurita. a wonderful film. Read the Slate article I linked to, if I don't convince you, it will.

Will, I know! That first clip in particular.

Fresca, he is so good in that. An actor friend of mine used to always say he acted with his chest. His chest walks into the room, the rest of him follows.

Fresca said...

His chest? I always thought his shoulders! But they are connected, so either way... yeah.