M. Night Shyamalan
Brilliance comes Twisted

If you have not heard of him before, look up.

See anything?

That's the rock you've been living under.

Manoj Night Shyamalan, regarded by some as Alfred Hitchcock's artistic successor, may not exactly be the genius and prodigy people make him out to be, but for what it's worth, he's pretty darn close.

Breaking into the spotlight with his phenomenal hit "The Sixth Sense", his subtle use of horror, excellent cinematography and trademark plot twist in the end made him somewhat of a household name in the genre of horror. His following movies, "Unbreakable", "Signs" and "The Village" all achieved exemplary success in the worldwide box office.

And a good reason for that.

Shyamalan's movies all deal with extremely diverse and fantastical subject matter, ranging from the dead to superheroes to aliens to monsters to whatever the heck he comes up with next.

However, in all honesty, the subject matter only attracts audiences into the cinemas. What keeps them there is Shyamalan's gift for sculpting beautifully flawed characters, emoting well-rounded dialogue, and broad scope of philosophical morality.

He literally creates a living, breathing entity; one of which that engages the audience, makes them question the choices and personality of the people portrayed onscreen.

However, the man is not without his imperfections.

It was apparent around the time "Unbreakable" was released that people began to notice a very familiar if not redundant feel that threads together his movies. There was, yet again, a quiet and discomforted child in "Unbreakable", as there was again a conflicted and weathered male protagonist (See below for further information of all his films). However, what people really began to worry about was Shyamalan's trademark ultra plot twist, that perhaps his movies were formulaic and heavily dependant on them working. Is this what are we to expect for each and every single movie he releases in the future?

And then "Signs" was released.

What possibly might be the answer to the critics, "Signs", although possessing everything that was classic Shyamalan, placed more emphasis on the characters in the story themselves, rather than the eventuality of the grand scheme as a whole. I was personally blown away by it, more so than I was "Unbreakable" or even "The Sixth Sense" (however, this is solely my opinion and is irrelevant to what you or the person sitting next to you might think. On a separate note, I have odd tastes and should not be trusted entirely with your cooking).

"The Village" was released two years later, but this time, it was met with rather mixed reviews. On one hand, the movie failed to be the horror extravaganza that was expected of the director. But one the other, it was a rather beautiful piece of art; an honest yet abstract depiction on how innocence will never be preserved and the prevalence of true love.

This is all very perplexing, but utterly necessary for Shyamalan to grow as a director. There is not a shred of doubt within me that the next movie he releases will yet again be the most mind-bending and/or emotionally manipulating piece of art you will ever see.

As a patron of film as well as a fan of just, plain no-frills entertainment, I strongly recommend each and every single one of his movies. Tragic, subtle, gripping, articulate, rich, beautiful - you just cannot miss it. You should not.

Hail to the legend.

Submit to the passion.

Even if it is all bravado, even if it is only for a few moments.

Filmography:

1. Praying With Anger (1992)

Credits - Director, Writer, Actor

The film that received critical acclaim when shown during several film festivals, earning in enough cash and recognition to launch his next projects. It is loosely based on his return back to his birth land, India.

Not much else is really known about this movie. Should you have any further info, please contact me!

2. Wide Awake (1998)

Credits - Director, Writer

His first movie under a studio, this family comedy deals with a 10-year old child (Joseph Cross) who goes in search of God after his grandfather dies.

Though not being able to get my hands on a copy of this movie, I hear from several sources (physical and digital) that this film, though brilliant as critics say it was, is regarded as the 'black sheep' of Shyamalan's works.

3. The Sixth Sense (1999)

Credits - Director, Writer, Cameo Actor

This is the big momma that launched Shyamalan 'up there'. About a boy (Haley Joel Osment) who possesses the supernatural gift to see the dead - who don't know they're dead - and a child psychiatrist (Bruce Willis) who faces marital problems that is charged to help to help him, this horror masterpiece possessed THE plot twist that stunned audiences worldwide. Not to be missed. Ever. Ever.

This is also Shyamalan's first film under the big name Disney label.


4. Stuart Little (1999)

Credits - Scripting

I know. I'm just as shocked as you are. His second contribution under the Disney label.

5. Unbreakable (2000)

Credits - Director, Writer, Cameo Actor

An remarkable film and homage to superheroes, this film is concerns a man (Bruce Willis) who discovers amazing things about himself following a disastrous train accident. Considered by some to be the lowest point of Shyamalan's career, it is regarded by others to be the ultimate superhero movie.

With one of the most philosophical stand-offs between characters and excellent script quality (as well as the chance to see Samuel L. Jackson in a creepy yet delightful role), this movie should be regarded as a staple among movie lovers.

6. Signs (2002)

Credits - Director, Writer, Cameo Actor

My favourite among all his movies, this time Shyamalan tackles a tragic pastor (Mel Gibson) who had lost his fate following his wife's freak death in the midst and wake of an alien invasion.

Sounds a bit whimsical, doesn't it? Do not let that fool you. It's very, very good.

This is also the movie in which Shyamalan first broke off from the Disney label.

7. The Village (2004)

Credits - Director, Writer, Cameo Actor

Shyamalan said in an interview following the premiere of this movie:

"This is me going back to my Indian roots!"

(Can be seen in one of those clips on Star Movies)

The premise is gripping enough: A traditional almost Victorian-period county in a village somewhere in the middle of a forest lives a life in harmony within the boundaries of a specific plot of land, with the belief that terrifying creatures prowl the surrounding forests.

Following the death of a villager, a young man (Joaquin Phoenix) proposes a plan to cross the forbidden forest to get to the nearest town in search of medicines.

Although, as I mentioned earlier, the movie failed as a true-to-roots horror movie. However, as a drama and thriller, it is phenomenal and exemplary in almost every department.

My second favourite.

Coming up:

-Lady of the Water

Starring Paul Giamatti and Bryce Dallas Howard

-Life of Pi

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