A true gem

Rating: 10/10 (6 January 2000)

Where do I begin to sing the praises to this film? The Sixth Sense is unlike anything I've ever seen, and by far the best film I've seen in years. Let me first say that I am no fan of horror films, and many classify this film as a horror picture. It is not quite that. One can get away with calling it a "supernatural psychological thriller" perhaps. To say that it is Horror however, is to put it in a genre generally known for its inferior product, and this film is anything but inferior. Unlike 1999's only other mentionable scare film, The Blair Witch Project, The Sixth Sense doesn't hide the terror from our sight. We do see the ghosts that frighten Cole Sear so much. And they are considerably scarier than the witch of the woods in Maryland. But these frightening scenes are but one element in the overall success recipe of the film.

Foremost I should mention Haley Joel Osment. Only once before did a child actor really impress me. I thought that Nick Stahl (in Man Without a Face) was outstanding. But the depth and honesty of Haley's performance here I have yet to see the equal of. He completely convinced me of his fear, and he invoked protective instincts in me I didn't know I had. If there is any justice in Hollywood (yeah, right) he will AT LEAST be nominated for an Academy Award. (If they could give it to Anna Paquin, they just might consider Haley). In any instance, this little man has given a performance that many adult actors can rightly be very jealous of. The other performances are all outstanding too, and I'm sure now that no one could have betterred Bruce Willis in this role.
Then, the direction and photography are far superior to anything I have seen in ages. The film is dark. Literally black sometimes. There is hardly any sunlight anywhere, and the rooms are all pale and depressing. This is Cole's world, and we are put right in there the entire time. Shyamalan also sneaks some very clever shots in the back door. Look for a trace of Cole's sweat vanishing from the table, his reflection in a shiny doorknob etc. These and many more find their way into the film, and every one of them fits perfectly where they are put. In short - there is not a single frame out of place in this film.
The human elements are also strikingly detailed. Note the parents at the school concert whip out their camcorders when they see their kids on stage. The cleverest scene of all, is between Willis and Haley. They play a "mind-reading" game, and although one of them wins this battle of wills and wits, they both end up losing it in a way.
These are just a few examples of the quality that this film boasts. It is an extremely well made and unbelievably well thought out suspense film. It has been years since a film has given me physical, literal chills, and this film has done exactly that. It managed to scare me -- something that a macho twentysomething man like me wouldn't like to admit.
A final word: firstly, if you plan on seeing this film, read as little about it as you can. Do not talk about it with friends who have seen it, because the less you know about it the better. Let it unfold and take you over in it's own time. And secondly, go see it in the theater if you can. The unbearably tense music and huge dark screen add something very special to the experience.
I think this film is a masterpiece in its own right, and if you can appreciate a good story with terrific acting, go watch The Sixth Sense.