Menace and caring

Rating: 10/10 (9 February 2005)

I really enjoyed watching this film. From the performances to the haunting score everything was working for me.
I can see why some people might struggle with The Village because the pacing is something you either embrace or fight against. If you're looking for big orange explosions et al you're going to be disappointed. The key is here is menace. The creeping kind. And this is a milieu that M.Knight Shymalan is rapidly making his own.
I liked the antiquated dialogue. It added to the Salem-like atmosphere and it ratcheted up the atmosphere of a community haunted by what might be lurking in the dark. In fact just enjoy the film for the acting alone. It's a great ensemble cast with more than few "stars" content to shine in supporting roles. And shine they do. Breendan Gleeson take a bow. I always got the sense in his performance that this was a man that had more to say (check the DVD). But then that's the beauty of a tormented character and a great bit of acting.
In Shyamalan's films, he spends a lot of time on his characters. You really get to find out what makes them tick. Rarely is anything taken for granted. And whilst this may, in some people's eyes, slow the plot down it really makes you care about what's happening.
The score's a cracker and the atmospheric sound effects are from the top drawer. It's really great to watch a film that is haunting from the word go. This is a definite slow-burn experience and all the better for it.
Menace and caring. A satisfying combination.