William Friedkin on The Night of the Hunter

William Friedkin reacts to Charles Laughton's 1955 masterpiece The Night of the Hunter.

Source: American Film Institute

[JCO-cw]

In addition to having never seen Kubrick’s Napoleon, Night of the Hunter being the only film Charles Laughton would ever get to direct is one of the great film tragedies. Also Mitchum is one of the finest actors of his generation. Thanks again for the upload James!

[mayerbasic]

One of those movies that seemingly fell out of the sky from another era.

[Scribeifyouwantto]

The scene where Mitchum and the widow are singing the hymn is arguably the best moment in cinema

[berliozophile]

Mitchum as the Big Bad Wolf The wide eyed yeowl he makes as the children barely escape from him in the boat is one of the most gruesomely evil sounds I've ever heard.

[mtr]

I love to listen to Friedkin's commentaries. Also the movie is great. Iconic. Part noir, part horror, part adventure film but is done with enough soul and integrity to make it a masterpiece. Sad that Charles Laughton directed only one movie in his career.

[catoblepag]

0:14 The origin of the famous Exorcist shot?

[propinion]

The night hunter is absolutely one of the greatest and it about crime but more feels like fantasy adventure, and it's absolutely work master.

[JustSomeCanadianGuy]

Not only one of the best movies ever made but a real one-off.

I’ve never seen another movie that has moments that remind me of Night of the Hunter.

ASIDE from the Love/Hate brass knuckles scene from Do the Right Thing! 😄

[thesentimentalsociopath]

Love your channel James. Keep up the good work

[Njbear]

The scene with Shelly Winters still haunts me to this day.

[davidsummer]

What i like about the film is how German expressionist cinema influenced the look of the film

[writeralbertlanier]

Night of the Hunter is a great thriller/ drama with a fantastic antagonist played by Robert Mitchum.

Along with Cape Fear, Night of the Hunter features the best work of Mitchum who is simply superb as the crininal/ preacher. Its a simple poweful performance wuth no gimmicks or tricks.

The film.reminded me of Flannery O Connor short stoties i read in college about the South.

The cinematography and lighting are outstanding creating an almost other worldly effect.

Its a shame Laughton only directed this film. He had the makings of a first rate talent as a filmmaker .,

[sspdirect]

The film considered a classic today was such a disaster when it opened that Laughton never directed another film again.

[grizzlyhouse]

Friedkin on David Gordon Green when?? 🤣