What a shame... (SOME SPOILERS)

Rating: Null/10 (1 August 2004)

It really is a shame that such a well thought out movie (especially in the world we live in today) has gone over the heads of so many people. Let's get the obvious out of the way first. M. Night is one of the most talented directors in today's film industry. His use of color and camera angles please the eye as much as his choice of music pleases the ear. I still get chills when remembering a mere chair with the woods in the background and the music that accompanied it. His building of characters is unparalleled. And his story telling via visual images is stunning.
Now, as for his writing...
***SPOILERS*** Many philosophers have discussed the idea of Utopia. Many writers/directors have flirted with it in their films... few with much success. M Night hit the nail on the head. Much of the world today, unfortunately, is driven by fear. A group of individuals all sharing a tragic common thread create an isolated society, which they can control through fear. This has been M Night's most realistic movie. There were no dead people walking amongst us, there were no super heroes, there were no aliens. There were merely people seeking a better life. Since the beginning of recorded civilization the most efficient way of controlling a population is through fear. You think his use of color was irrelevant? You think his story was far fetched? Turn on your TV and watch the news... I think the Terror Alert has just been elevated from Yellow to Red.
Congratulations Shyamalan... you have created a real gem.