Movie Reviews

M. Night Shyamalan's first film (well, first major film), The Sixth Sense relies on its 'surprise' ending for much of its impact. I remember after the first time I saw it, I was completely taken by the ending -- I thought it was an exceptionally clever twist. But I also remember thinking that it was really the ending that 'made' the movie, and without the twist it would've been a good, but unremarkable, film.

Well, I've seen it a couple more times now, and I've got a bit of a different perspective. The first time you see The Sixth Sense, the ending is certainly a surprise, but I found that on subsequent viewings, the ending completely changes the tone of the rest of the film, and adds a whole new dimension. I can say without a doubt that this is a very good film, all the way through.

For a debut film, Shyamalan shows some very strong directing skills, and he understands that, for example, the way that a camera moves can impart a very specific meaning or feeling. This is the kind of stuff that you don't often notice outright -- it's more of a subconscious thing. But it's there, and it really adds to the menacing, gloomy atmosphere that Shyamalan strives for -- and achieves. You know a director is doing a good job if he or she is effectively able to create that kind of an atmosphere and suspense without resorting to special effects or gore (of which there is very little in The Sixth Sense).

The two main actors in the film stand out to me for two seperate reasons. First of all, Bruce Willis shows that he is a very talented dramatic actor, and has displays a remarkable range. I find the other main actor, Haley Joel Osment, to be a kind of mixed blessing for the film. On the one hand, he does an excellent job of acting 'scared' and sad (which of course are the main two emotions that he needs to display). But on the other hand, there are moments throughout the film where Osment comes across as a way to "worldy" or "wise" for a kid his age. Perhaps that was an intentional thing, but I didn't care for it.

The Sixth Sense, I think, is one of the few modern horror films that will be remembered far into the future.