So
are you?
I remember
being instantly intrigued by this film when I
started seeing the previews. The question "Are
you unbreakable?" sort of melted into my brain
for quite some time. I am into that someone may,
in fact, be "unbreakable."
Yet, all this intrigue for me couldn't quite get
me into the movie theatre to see this film. I
waited quite awhile, and ended up seeing it on
DVD. In some ways, I regret this decision...yet,
I'm not sure I would place this film much higher
were I to see it in a theatre.
My biggest concern with M. Night Shyamalan is
that he has a tendency to let his intellect and
his ego get in the way of his films. He throws
so much into a film that occasionally, as
brilliant as it may be, it ends up looking
chaotic to the average moviegoer. This film is
filled with so many subtle nuances...so many
gestures...quiet moments...images...that I can't
help but feel it was destined to not have the
mass appeal that "Sixth Sense" had...Yet, my
concern is that he used so many of these tools
that the average moviegoer either 1) couldn't
get it, 2) wouldn't take time to get it or 3)
would stop caring by the end of the film.
Bruce Willis does a nice job here as the lone
survivor of a train crash. While I was in touch
with the affect we were going for here...it
simply wasn't always successful. Even as Willis'
character transitioned during the film, I never
saw the transition...never felt it. It was a
nice performance, but an actor with more range
could have done so much more with this role.
Jeff Bridges in "Fearless" comes to mind...while
this obviously wouldn't have been a great role
to choose from a career standpoint, I think he
could have done a much better job here.
Samuel L. Jackson also turns in a nice
performance here, but once again, is simply too
low-key much of the time. I understood the
purpose, but there also has to be a buy in to
the characters. The lack of energy, lack of
emotional resonance bothered me.
In fact, for the second Shyamalan film in a row
I'd have to say the strongest performance was by
a child actor. Spencer Clark is wonderful as
Willis' son...giving much life, emotion and
range to his character.
The cinematography is wonderful, the score a bit
over-bearing at times but generally a solid
accompaniment.
This film is solidly entertaining, but I can't
help but think it missed the boat in a few
places. A stronger lead actor...and Shyamalan's
ability to let go a little bit more could have
turned this film into a classic.
©
Written by Richard
Propes
TC Candler's Comment
Another M.
Night Shyamalan masterpiece. He is showing
incredible promise as a director and is fast
becoming one of my favorites.
Jacob
Hall's Comment
N/A
