The Village

The Village

The Sixth Sense rocked the world. The cries of 'no way he's dead' could be heard throughout the universe, and proved that Bruce Willis could truly act. Unbreakable followed a similar slow methodical pace with a really devious twist that caught the majority of people by surprise. Signs brought an alien invasion to earth, yet still managed to make you leave the cinema shaking your head questioning everything you'd just seen. Welcome to the world of M.Night Shyamalan.

The Village is the fourth film by M.Night Shyamalan, and the setting is completely different to anything that has come before it. Now, its very difficult to write about a film of this nature as the smallest piece of information could enable you to guess the twist. But, here lies a problem. When the Sixth Sense was released, no one thought for a minute that Bruce was dead. No-one was expecting it and that's what made the film so clever. The more films, that you have seen of Shymalan, the more you start to question what your actually watching. What's real? What's not? Where's the twist? The slow pacing involved in all of the previous films allows the viewer to be drawn into the film and this makes the twist hit home harder than it possibly should. And this is the contencious issue, some people love his work and others hate it, and there's very little room in between. A certain amount of patience is required to stick with the characters and actions that build up to the reveal, and people expecting a scary film that will constantly have you jumping out of your seat should not go and watch this movie.

The film is based in a segregated community similar to the omish or Mormon societies. Next to the village is a large section of woodland which is inhabited by some kind of creature. The villagers do not enter the wood, and the creatures do not enter the village. An amicable agreement between the differing parties. The Village is led by a group of elders who act as a council, making decisions on behalf of their own community. William Hurt and Sigourney Weaver make up a section of the council, and it's their son and daughter which form the integral relationship of the film. Hurt's daughter is in love with Weaver's son (Joaquin Phoenix) and the feeling is mutual but difficult surroundings make it hard for their relationship to form. Bryce Dallas Howard (Ron Howard's daughter) makes her film debut as Hurt's daughter, Ivy. This is the standout performance of the film. Ivy is blind but has an amazing sense of here surroundings whether it be by smell, hearing or the colours that her eyes can identify.

The rest of the supporting cast all have there bit parts, but the talent available in the film isn't given the fullest opportunity to express themselves. Weaver is under used. Brendan Gleeson is also lacking in screen time. Adrian Brody stars as a mentally challenged young man, in a similar vain to Leonardo Di Caprio in What's eating Gilbert grape? Great physical acting, and an emotional side which demonstrates Brody's Oscar winning talents. Ultimately though, the ensemble feel does pay off, as the final twist incorporates everyone.

I thoroughly enjoyed this film and found it to be a very clever and thoughtful movie. The twist will not be liked by all, and this was evident in the bemused faces of some patrons as I left the local cinema. It's difficult to say much more, as you have to just become involved in the film to truly appreciate the ending. The only advise I can offer is go in with an open mind and try to absorb the film, don't look to hard for the twist and you should be pleasantly surprised or totally amazed.