Released in 1955, The Night of the Hunter was directed by Charles Laughton.
I really enjoyed this film, my favourite Film Noir so far. I thought from a design perspective and it was filmed beautifully and there were so many moments that just gave me goose bumps. For example, when the children are running away in the boat and the music in combination with the camera angles including a toad and spiderweb just gave me chills.
Another moment that stood out for me was when Uncle Birdie discovers the mother's body in the lake. The underwater scene where she appears to almost be driving the river weeds almost appears surreal.
Lastly the use of silhouette and shadow in this film I think hugely contributed to it's artistic success. One of my favourite moments is when John is telling a story to his sister Pearl and then as the story build in suspense the shadow of a man appears on the wall behind John. It foreshadowed the intimidation that Harry Powell would continue to inflict throughout the film. Also aspects of the use of angular shadows reminded me of German Expressionist in particular in the mother murder scene.
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