They're Everywhere

Rating: 8/10 (27 February 2010)

Dr Malcolm Crowe is a child psychologist trying to help Cole, a boy who suffers from extreme anxiety. After gradually gaining his trust, Cole tells Malcolm his terrible secret; he sees ghosts all around him. But Cole also knows something Malcolm doesn't Â…
One of the most beautifully crafted and thought-provoking American movies in recent times, this is an unforgettably spooky thriller with a final twist of such deliciously clever proportions it rivals Les Diaboliques, Psycho and The Usual Suspects. What makes it so terrific for me though is Shyamalan's quiet, concentrated style; his film is the opposite of something like The Omen - it's slow, subtle, intimate, but highly focused and intense. A lesser horror movie director uses loud noises and screaming performances; Shyamalan doesn't need to. His story, characters and grasp of film grammar are so strong that pulling the focus down into long, loosely composed shots results in a much richer picture. Scenes like the one where Cole's mother loses her temper with him over the pendant are typical of this - one simple shot of a little kitchen, where what's going on emotionally carries a tremendous dramatic wallop. If only all directors as young as this guy understood how to do this. Similarly, the casting of Willis is a real masterstroke - an action actor known for barnstorming pyrotechnics reigned in here to a slight, slow, careful performance which is arguably the best in his career. Equally good is the amazingly mature Osmont (who was eleven), at once convincing us of his fantastic predicament but also grasping the tone of the story perfectly. The other crucial element here is James Newton Howard's tingling score, which slides around the wintry Philadephia streets, creeps up behind us when we're not looking and creates an almost tangible sense of fear and danger. Horror movie music is the hardest to write and the most effective when done well, and this is a classic case of how to do it right; Shyamalan has wisely secured Howard's services on all his subsequent films. This was a deservedly big hit on release, probably because it effectively combines horror, thriller and drama elements, and appeals to fans of all. In essence however it's just a great story, four fascinating characters, great photography (by Tak Fujimoto), scary music, and enchanting viewing. Trivia - the director appears in his customary small role as the doctor who talks to Cole's mother at the hospital.