Phoenix rises again in The Village

Rating: 10/10 (23 August 2004)

First, let me start off by saying that there has never been a movie that I have anticipated more than The Village. Not because M. Night Shyamalan's mother delivered me when I was born, but because I truly believe he is one of the best filmmakers of today. I've read the slew of bad reviews of the movie over the weekend, and I can honestly say that I disagree with the negative reception of this film.
I'll be careful not to reveal too much of the film because there are many plot twists. I actually knew what the ending was before the movie ended, but I still enjoyed it because I wasn't anticipating it, nor did I want to be razzled and dazzled in the end, as with The Sixth Sense or even Unbreakable. If you do that with this movie, you will be disappointed.
I like Shyamalan's films because he doesn't depend on his ending; it's just an added bonus. One can argue that he depended upon it more this time around, but, all in all, the ending shouldn't be where you get your kicks, so to speak. These twists and turns are not what should be focused on when watching a Shyamalan film. In the end, his movies are all character studies about humanity; they are not some cheap thrill. He is a master at creating layered characters above anything else. Don't get me wrong the thrills are nice, but I really enjoy the spirituality of man that he explores in his work.
The Village, Shyamalan's sixth film, is about people who live in a small, close knit utopian community, which resembles the Amish. They are surrounded by a forest that is inhabited by mysterious creatures. A truce exists between the creatures and the villagers that says that neither one shall enter the other's territory. However, Lucius (Joaquin Phoenix) wants to go into the woods, and he asks the Elders if he can do so. He is turned down, but mysterious creatures enter the village, leaving red marks on the doors.
At the end of the day, Shyamalan and the marketing team at Touchstone use this to get asses in the seats (on a side note he is very good at creating stories with a commercial backdrop - not many filmmakers can write intimate stories that offer commercial appeal at the same time), but that's not really what the movie is about. The Village is really a love story that personifies what love truly is, and not just some superficial word people throw around. A love triangle exists in the film, which is very reminiscent of many of Shakespeare's plays.
One of the best and most touching scenes in the movie takes place between Lucius and the divine Bryce Dallas Howard's (daughter of director Ron Howard, who gives a tour de force debut performance by the way) character, Ivy, in a conversation where Lucius confesses his love for her. Another of Night's strengths is creating a very subtle and resonant mood and dialogue without seeming pretentious or melodramatic. Ultimately, this movie explores how love gives us courage and makes us do things we are otherwise afraid to do.
The cinematography in The Village is mesmerizing. Every shot is so well crafted and executed that I had goose bumps during a scene in which creatures invade the village. I think the reason why Shyamalan films look so good is because he storyboards every single shot. It's almost as if he already has a comic book version of the movie before it is filmed, much like Hitchcock. There is a distinct difference between movies that are storyboarded and ones that aren't. There is a certain resonance and richness that exists with the former.
In retrospect this movie is quite haunting because it examines the power of fear and how it can control us, showing that we are never really safe from anything in this world.
It can be said that the village is a metaphor for the society and world we live in today, which is hinted at on more than one occasion.
A friend of mine even suggested that colors in the film are symbolic of our alert system, which sounds plausible but I'm unsure if that was Night's intention.
All in all, M. Night Shyamalan has crafted a great film filled with intelligence, suspense and social insight.
To be truly astonished, I recommend going into this movie without any expectations.
Disregard the absurdity of the world you are entering, embrace the aura of it, and try to extract the true meaning of the film.
If you do this, you will be entertained and moved at the same time.