THE NIGHT OF THE HUNTER - Charles Laughton, 1955
"Hing-Hang-Hong. See what the hangman's done." - a group
of children
ABOUT THE FILM
Charles Laughton was a British actor who was also very successful
in Hollywood. This was the only film he ever directed. It was not
well received when it came out and he never made another one but
it is now considered by many people to be a unique and terrifying
masterpiece. Once seen, never ever forgotten...The Night of the Hunter
is set in the deep South of America during the Great Depression when
many people became homeless and starving. Harry Powell (Robert Mitchum)
is a travelling preacher and psychopathic murderer of at least 12
women. He has the word LOVE tattooed on the fingers of his right
hand and HATE on the fingers of his left hand.
Whilst in jail for stealing a car (his other crimes have been undiscovered)
he shares a cell with a bank robber called Ben Harper condemned to
death for killing a man during a heist. He has hidden $10,000 away
and only his children know where it is. Powell is released after
Harper is hung and he sets about wooing Harper's simple wife Willa
and getting to know his two children, John aged nine and Pearl aged
four. Powell and Willa get married much to John's horror since he
realises what Powell is really after. John also knows the money his
father stole is hidden in Pearl's doll Miss Jenny. Willa is turned
into a religious fanatic by Powell's sadistic and humiliating treatment
of her. Powell murders her but tells everyone she has left him. One
of the most extraordinary scenes in the film is of Willa's body under
the water with her hair streaming...
He pursues the children once he realises they know where the money
is. Pearl nearly tells him. The children go on the run down the river
and find themselves looked after by Widow Cooper who has adopted
other foundlings and runaways. Powell is not far behind...
Childhood can be a fearful time, full of dreams and nightmares,
and all its most menacing aspects are present in this film - fear
of the dark, of ghosts, of strangers, of the power and intention
of step-parents. The Night of the Hunter is an intense and poetic
exploration of the lives of Pearl and John who are fleeing for their
lives.
TASKS AND ACTIVITIES
What is the difference between the characters of John and Pearl?
Which one of them do you prefer and why?
Give four examples of how the film creates its sense of fantasy,
dream and fairy tale? Look at lighting, shadow, the characters and
creatures, the locations and the characters themselves.
Give three examples of moments of terror in the film. Which one
had the most affect on you, and why? What did the film maker use
to create these moments? Think about lighting, music and particularly
silence.
Think of a fairy story that you know well and re-write a modern-day
version. How would you make your story into a film? If there are
any moments of terror in it think about how you would create them
on film. Would you use music, lighting, close-ups?
What part does religious belief play in the film? Is it seen as
a force for good or evil in the world?
Is there any comedy in the film and what purpose does it serve?
Apart from Widow Cooper are there any other sympathetic adults
in the film? Provide a character sketch of three other adult characters. |
