Recent Review: The Sixth Sense (Released: August 6th 1999)

"Do you know why you're afraid when you're alone? I do. I do."

It is truly a surprise that within one decade, M. Night Shyamalan has gone from being one of Hollywood's most promising film-makers to one of it's worst. The quality of his work has fallen throughout the last ten years, to such a low level that most have forgotten how strong his mainstream début actually was. 'The Sixth Sense' is a memorable picture that deservedly became a pop culture phenomenon upon it's release.

It tells the story of Cole (Haley Joel Osment), an intelligent yet lonely young boy who displays numerous disturbing psychological symptoms and holds onto a dark secret. He is approached by Dr. Malcolm Crowe (Bruce Willis), a brilliant child psychologist who slowly earns his trust and learns the truth. Crowe is motivated by a desperate need to correct a fatal mistake with a similar former patient, but the more time he spends away from home helping Cole, the further he puts his marriage in jeopardy.

The plot bears a great resemblance to 'The Exorcist', another classic of the genre. Both involve young children from single-parent families who are threatened by the supernatural, and are helped by men burdened with self-doubt and regret. Unlike that film, 'The Sixth Sense' is more interested in the spiritual and human story and errs away from pure horror. Much like Shyamalan's follow-up film 'Unbreakable' (2000), the plot develops in a way that could be drawn out into an enjoyable series, something between 'The X-Files' and 'Six Feet Under'. The premise of this third act is interesting, unexpected and leads the film away from the horror genre and into a meditation on regret and loss. I would guess it is this section of the film that really connected with the mass-audience, as the majority of the film is spent on build-up and exposition which was already summarised by the film's marketing campaign.

'The Sixth Sense' works thanks to the deftness with which Shyamalan balances horror and drama, taking advantage of both genres, even within individual scenes. The film uses numerous conventions and clichés, especially in it's photography and lighting, but the strength of the premise, characters and performances keep the film from falling into self-parody. The performances are all good, the stand-out obviously being the 10-year-old Haley Joel Osment who handles his shaded role with confidence and maturity.

Those who have seen the film will notice that I have not discussed the number of plot elements which have now become part of popular culture. The advertising for the film spoils the first major twist and many reviews spoil the second, but I will keep both points out of this review. If you happen to have lived this long without having the story of 'The Sixth Sense' spoiled, I urge you to see it immediately. Even if you have, this is a well-made picture with enough heart, scares and surprises to be worthy of it's fame and consideration as one of the best horror films of the 1990's.

*****

 
(UK Release: 5th November 1999)