Review: The Sixth Sense (1999)
Starring: a serious Bruce Willis, a wise-beyond-his-years Haley Joel Osment, and a harrassed-looking Toni Collette
Director: M Night Shyamalan (The Village, Signs)
Plot: Boy sees dead people. Psychiatrist tries to help and twist ensues.
But is it any good?
Sixth Sense is remembered mostly for the then-11-year-old Osment’s knockout performance, a massive (and clever) plot twist which was original at the time, and the now well-worn phrase “I see dead people”. Luckily I don’t share that talent!
SS delivers more than its fair share of starts and shocks, with corpses making unwelcome appearances which scared the living **** out of me when I first saw this film back in ‘99. The scariest one, I think, was when young Cole is in the bathroom at night, with his back to the door, and a figure suddenly walks past the camera to the kitchen. His mother? Uh-uh.
There are, of course, flaws, particularly in the plot. If the ghosts need Cole’s help, why must they scare the crap out of the poor wee nipper to get it (and, erm, physically hurt him)?
But ultimately this film succeeds in generating suspense and fear, emotions not easy to tap into in a jaded modern audience. The major twist - very Usual Suspectsish - is pulled off and improves the film, rather than weakening it, and makes it worth a second viewing (I certainly didn’t see it coming). Five or so years later, it would still pack a wallop for those sheltered souls who haven’t had the ending spoiled yet.
As for Shyamalan, he hasn’t bettered this effort, sadly. Signs had some chilling moments but was ultimately weak, and The Village, while a good-looking film, just doesn’t have a strong enough plot to be remembered.
My rating: 8/10
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Monday, June 25th, 2007 at 7:25 am under
