In the spirit of the Independents...

Rating: Null/10 (23 September 1999)

I have nothing but praise for this incredible smashing psychological thriller with a stunning performance by Haley Joel Osment, a revelatory acting turn by Toni Collete (far from the musings of Muriel's Wedding), and a subtle, subdued performance by Bruce Willis.
Yes...the final twist is jaw-dropping and I absolutely did not see it coming. And I don't know about other viewers but I was absolutely scared out of mind; I found it very clever that M. Night Shyamalan managed to work the physical sensations of being scared (cold skin, raised hairs, goose bumps) into the script, i.e. that's how you know the ghosts are around you.

But many readers keep referring to this as a Bruce Willis movie ("It's different for him", "I expected it to be another Bruce film"), but it's not. In fact, replace Willis with another unknown actor and what you get is...AN INDEPENDENT FILM. This is not a big studio thriller (a la the Haunting); it is very much an independent film in its careful plotting, its pacing, and its ambitious ideas. I love that this film has captured America's attention as it is a reason why independent film and independent filmmakers are forces to reckon with and pay attention to.
My hat is off to M. Night Shyamalan for giving us a scary, highly emotional, involving and unforgettable film. I for one would like to see Mr. Shyamalan's other works, all of which are...gasp! Independent films.