Frames of Evil

Rating: Null/10 (7 March 2004)

So many different styles have been applied to making CRT reflections. The most intelligent form I've seen is in 'WarGames': Broderick is reflected on his computer, which is later reflected on its creator. Every other film uses it in the simple "reflected on face" technique.
This is your only spoiler warning...
Here the director tries the opposite method, reflecting our alien enemy on the TV. The juxtaposition couldn't be any more obvious. Our new Spielberg does the 'Poltergeist' thing.
There are other frames, psychological and physical. The story is a frame passed down from the 'Living Dead' and 'Halloween' movies. Communication is framed by the TV screen (again with the 'Poltergeist'). Even the initial footage of the invaders is based on TV/video legend.
If Shyamalan continued to make this point, we would've had something interesting. Unfortunately, he's trying the "Spielberg emotion" context. That's bad for our culture. Third times not a charm for him and I doubt the promise of 'The Village'.
When we get some better understanding of Americana, then we'll have something interesting to watch. David Lynch caught on to that and he isn't concerned about amazement.
Final Analysis = = Cinematic Dud