Hitchcock reborn

Rating: 7/10 (8 September 2002)

Whether it was his attempt, or not, M. Night Shalaman has recreated Alfred Hitchcock's style, and in essence, made it his own.
Structurally, there aren't many differences between this, and a film like Psycho. The opening credits follow Hitchcock's style of very distinctive music while showing all those associated with the film. As well, Shalaman's cameo performance in the film, although larger than most of Hitchcock's roles, show the influence that he had on him. Not to mention, the pure psychological aspect of the film's suspense. Much of the action is either implied, off screen, or very, very brief, keeping the audience guessing at what is behind the tension, etc.
The difference between the two, however, is the brilliance of the story itself. The dual purpose of the title itself, "signs," is brilliant in its own right. Firstly, the actual signs, directing extra terrestrial life to various places on the planet, as well as the signs that Mel Gibson is recieving from God, to renew his faith.
This outing by Shalaman is comepletely different from his previous exploits, and some may be disappointed with the absence of such a bizarre twist that exist in his previous films. However, the mere suspense alone, makes this film worthwhile, and worth anyone's $13.50, or however much it costs in your neck of the woods.