Glass Class (Unbreakable (DVD))

Member Name: SWSt

Product:	Unbreakable (DVD)
Date:	26/03/09 (100 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Strong, intriguing storyline, charismatic lead actors

Disadvantages: Comic book theme may be off-putting, some find ending far-fetched

For a brief spell the name M Night Shyamalan film was a guarantee of quality: a promise that of an atmospheric, slow-burning tale with an unexpected twist at the end.

That period didn't last long. Arguably, Shyamalan's second film is also his last decent one. It builds on lessons learned from The Sixth Sense and is probably a more accomplished and confident film. Everything that happens feels natural and the various plot strands seem to segue into each other, without appearing forced. It's pretty well known that most Shyamalan films feature some sort of twist - a tactic he has over-used. Unlike his later efforts, the twist in Unbreakable, whilst surprising, feels like a natural progression.

As with The Sixth Sense, it's best to go into Unbreakable knowing little about it. However, the following can safely be told. David Dunn, an ordinary Joe, miraculously is the sole survivor of a train wreck in Philadelphia. Following the accident, he strikes up an uneasy relationship with Elijah Price, a man who suffers from brittle bone disease.

As was his trademark, Shyamalan concentrates on building atmosphere right from the start. The opening sequences are intriguing and immediately pull you in. The two main characters are quickly and efficiently introduced before he moves onto the main plot. As with The Sixth Sense, Unbreakable is a slow-burning film; the emphasis is more on atmosphere than action, and this may put some people off. Stick with it because the slow-build up and concentration on characters provides a deeply engrossing film, whilst the ending makes for a satisfying pay-off.

Some people may also be put off by the fact that the story pays quite a bit of attention to the significance and mythology of comic books. Don't be: you don't need to be a comic geek to understand and enjoy the film (although you might get a little more out of it). It's not like the comic book discussion sequence in Kill Bill 2, which felt shoe-horned in to show how big a comic book geek Quentin Tarantino was. Here there is a point to the occasional discussions about comics and superheroes. Moreover, the discussions feel natural and, within the confines of the story, make sense.

The first time you watch Unbreakable, you will probably spend a lot of the film scratching your head, as it doesn't really follow conventional story patterns. Yet, the tale is so well told that, even when you're not quite sure exactly what's going on, you become intrigued and want to find out more.

It's helped by the fact that Unbreakable is anchored in two highly charismatic leads. Bruce Willis had already surprised the world with his sensitive, low key performance in The Sixth Sense, and he returns here as David Dunn. Proving The Sixth Sense was no fluke, Willis again turns in a quiet, underplayed "everyman" performance that's a far cry from hi action hero days. Dunn is both an intriguing and a sympathetic character. His still, silent, reflective demeanour speaks of an unfulfilled life; a life of wasted opportunities and you feel very sorry for him.

Willis' understated performance is in sharp contrast to Samuel L. Jackson as Elijah Price. Price is an angry man whose bones so break easily that as a child, he had the nickname Mr Glass. You could make a case for arguing that Price is the younger brother of Jules Winnfield from Pulp Fiction, the runt of that particular litter. Jackson plays him with the same kind of pent-up anger and venom, exactly the kind of role he's so good at. Price should be deeply objectionable and unlikeable, but, as usual in the hands of Jackson, he proves charismatic, more than a little charming and rather enigmatic. His shouty, grandstanding performance complements Willis' understated role and proves that two Hollywood legends can work together successfully.

Second time around, Shyamalan appears more confident as a director. Most of the time he shoots in a fairly conventional style, framing the shots as you would expect. Just occasionally, though, he introduces a few little camera tricks. These are never so fancy as to be annoying, but add a surprising amount to the atmosphere. Take, for example, one of the opening sequences on the train. Dunn is talking to a fellow passenger and the camera moves silently between the gap in the seat in front, shifting from left to right to focus on whichever character is speaking. As well as being a neat way of introducing some movement to an otherwise static scene, it also gives the feeling that we are there, on that train, eavesdropping on a private conversation.

What Shyamalan is most well known for, though, is his sudden twists and so it proves with Unbreakable. It doesn't quite manage the gut-punch ending of The Sixth Sense, and perhaps is a little more esoteric. Some critics have moaned about it, claiming it is too far-fetched; a twist included as a gimmick. Personally, I think it's a very appropriate ending which ties in well with the tone of the rest of the film. It may not have the same haunting quality as The Sixth Sense or be as memorable, yet it works well within the overall context of the film. Like any good twist it catches you off-guard the first time and makes you want to go back and re-watch the film to spot the clues which led up to it.

Unbreakable may not be quite as strong as The Sixth Sense, or have quite such a widespread appeal. The comic book matter may put some people off, but it's still a great film. Its re-watch value may be a little limited, but that's true of any "twist" film. It's certainly worth watching at least twice.

On the evidence of M Night Shyamalan films so far, a simple formula emerges. M Night Shyamalan + Bruce Willis = good film. M Night Shyamalan + anyone else = rubbish film. After the dross that was The Happening, Mr Night had better get on the phone to Mr Willis as soon as he can.

Basic Information
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Unbreakable
2000
Director: M Night Shyamalan
Running time: approx. 106 minutes
Certificate: 12

© Copyright SWSt 2009

Summary: M Night's last decent film