Better than it's reputation.

Rating: Null/10 (2 August 2004)

So what if M. Night Shyamalan's latest twist ending is shamelessly ridiculous. To write-off THE VILLAGE because of its conclusion would be dismissing an Oscar worthy supporting performance by Bryce Dallas Howard (you can tell this girl is going to be able to do _anything_ on screen), her tender scenes with Joaquin Phoenix and the lovely music that flows out of Hilary Hahn's violin. This is an intriguing, textured film; the work of a master storyteller. When you're under Shyamalan's spell, there's nothing like it.
A group of settlers live in fear of the creatures inhabiting their village outskirts. The movie isn't terribly interested with the inner workings of this community -- what do these people _do_, anyway? -- nor does it quite explain why everyone speaks contraction-free. It and they seem to exist solely for us to eventually find out if the monsters ("those we do not speak of") are for real or not. For the answer, look no further than the message board below.
There's a revelation made late in THE VILLAGE that, on the page, you probably couldn't help but laugh at. On the screen, though, it sorta works, because by the time we get to it, the proper atmosphere hass been established and the timing is right, and it doesn't linger. Too much. Those who dwell on it and don't forgive the rest of the film aren't giving Shyamalan credit for how gifted a filmmaker he is. He knows how to compose scenes in a way that's distinct: like Tarantino, or Scorcese, or Fincher, we can tell this guy's movies apart from other directors. He knows how to write dialogue and, better yet, knows how to pick the actors to perform it. Phoenix doesn't have a lot to do, but does a ton with his eyes. Even William Hurt, who usually bugs me to death, comes off just right; I loved the scene where he explains himself to the elders for allowing his daughter to do what she does.
And, Bryce Dallas Howard floored me. I don't know how long it'll be before I've forgotten her quiet exchange with Joaquin Phoenix, talking about when they'll dance together. Ivy Walker is blind, but gets around without trouble. She's resilient, warm and genuinely caring a person. Determined. You root for her relationship with Lucius. You feel for her safety during a confrontation with one of the "creatures", even though we already know what to expect. This is a complete, three-dimensional performance by a talented, extremely agreeable actress, and she deserves all the recognition in the world for her work here.
Does THE VILLAGE need a better finish? Of course it does. I could have easily done without Adrien Brody's last scene; it adds nothing. I'd also like to have it spelled out for me why red is the bad color, and why Lucius picks those holly berries.
Still.. haunting stuff.