M. Knight continues to impress

Rating: Null/10 (16 January 2005)

I have just seen "The Village" on DVD, failing to make it to the theater to see the first run. As usual, Mr. Shyamalan's movie is a delight to watch for both script and performances. After reading several dismal reviews about this film, I thought it would be good to level the playing field. First, Mr. Shyamalan has been referenced in several statements with the noted film maker Alfred Hitchcock. Although both film makers have the ability to project fear with both script and visuals (and I don't mean graphic visuals), each has their own style of film making. With each new film, Mr. Shyamalan grows as a film maker, a true story teller, which is a rare thing in current film. Second, the story itself is one of simplicity, yet grounded in realism. Simple in the fact of showing us the lives of the characters and the events that surround them. Realistic in the enlightening, not jaw dropping, revelation near the end of the film. Right now I am beginning a career in film writing. I can only hope to write something this good. Third, the fine performances of all, notably, Ms. Howard. There are no scene stealer's and Mr. Shyamalan has the ability to evoke low key, yet indelible characters that remain with you after watching the film. Finally, Mr. Shyamalan himself. One only needs to go back and review "Praying with Anger" to know that a great artist was in the making. Mr. Shyamalan does not just make movies; he tells us stories. When so much junk is green lighted and put to film, that comes and goes without so much as a twinkle, "The Village", as with his previous films, add to the genre not of thriller or horror or mystery, but to the genre of storytelling. A great ability indeed.