RSS 2.0The Sixth Sense (1999)
I never would have imagined I would declare a supernatural thriller one of my all-time favourite movies – or one of the best films ever made. (Not least as it stars Bruce Willis.) I avoided it while it was playing at the cinemas but happened to catch it the other night on TV while flicking channels. It left a deep impression on me and I just had to buy the DVD and watch it again…
Directed by M Night Shyamalan (Wide Awake), The Sixth Sense, tells the story of child pyschologist Dr Malcolm Crowe (Bruce Willis) who is haunted after failing one of his former patients. When he encounters the frightened eight-year-old Cole Sear (Haley Joel Osment) ‘ who ‘sees dead people’ ‘ he tries to redeem himself by helping him…
The film almost defies any one genre. It’s a mixture of horror, drama and thriller, with even a nod to the romantic. It has a chilling atmosphere throughout (reminsicent of The Exorcist and The Omen). Yet, at the same time, it is incredibly beautiful and moving: to the point where some scenes bring tears to your eyes. And how rare is that for a ‘horror’ movie?
Haley Joel Osment is just superb as Cole and really, what an incredible young actor. Bruce Willis actually played the role of the child pyschologist perfectly. And, an added bonus for me was one of my favourite actors, Toni Colette, as Cole’s devoted mother. A role she excels in.
I can’t recommend this film enough. And when you’ve watched it once, wait a while, and watch it again.
pip (29 posts)Writer, DJ, ideas junkie and ex-artist (animation) living in Amsterdam with a penchant for Hitchcock's, inspired independents and the occasional shameless pulp - all washed down with cocktails and homemade popcorn.
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Well, better late than even later, hey!
Comment by paco — Sat December 13, 2003 @ 14:10And better late than never…
I thought the idea of this site was to review all films, not just the latest.
Comment by pip — Sat December 13, 2003 @ 14:21I guess Paco means it’s better you saw this film now instead of even later.
It really is a masterpiece. I own a copy of the DVD, and when you take a look at the extras it becomes clear how much thought has gone into it.
Did you know they composed almost all the background sounds (traffic, wind, etc) out of the sounds of people breathing. That really add to the atmoshpere.
I also like the use of the colour red. Everything that’s been “tainted by death” is red. Great stuff…
Unfortunately someone ruined the surprise ending for me by explaining the movie to a collegue. I enjoyed it immensely nontheless.
Such a shame the next two movies by this director were mediocre (Unbreakable) and really bad (Signs) imho.
Comment by weefselkweekje — Sat December 13, 2003 @ 14:57I haven’t watched the extras on the DVD yet (time vs work!) but that’s amazing about all the background sounds. And I also missed the red-theme too… Mmm… Will have to watch it again – not that I would mind one bit
Comment by pip — Sat December 13, 2003 @ 17:08‘They don’t have meetings about rainbows’
– Yep, one of my favorites in the ‘supernatural’ section.
Comment by reisneus — Sun December 14, 2003 @ 11:04*** SPOILERS ***
This was a film that really surprised me. Simply because I can’t understand what all the fuss is about.
I clocked the major ‘twist’ after about ten minutes. I found myself thinking, why isn’t anybody speaking to Bruce Willis, why doesn’t anybody seem to even register his existence apart from the kid?
Then, the kid gives it away – I see dead people – even those who don’t know they’re dead.
Ok I’m paraphrasing – it’s a long time since I’ve seen this. I can remember sitting in the cinema and hearing everbody go AAH when the twist was revealed, and I had to laugh. It just seemed so obvious to me.
It’s still a good film, well made, well acted and its entertaining enough, but having clicked the twist so early – the whole thing felt a bit flat.
Comment by damian — Tue December 16, 2003 @ 11:00Daims m’dear you’ve given it away for all those who haven’t seen it yet… :-/
Comment by pip — Tue December 16, 2003 @ 11:55Hi Pip, Yeah I know – and I did think about putting a spoiler warning in my post – but then didn’t – shame on me.
My wrists are well and truly slapped.
Comment by damian — Thu December 18, 2003 @ 11:14I want to point out that red also symbloizes protection dangrer and warning@
Comment by Sam Meeker — Fri September 10, 2004 @ 5:55