THE SIXTH SENSE ASTOUNDS
As I predicted a month ago, the mystery movie at Hoyts was THE SIXTH SENSE, which is an astonishing piece of cinema that captivates the viewer from the opening, sucking the audience into the action and taking them on a ride that is masterfully structured and executed. The movie is not elitist, it does not attempt to go over the audiences head in terms of context and dialogue, and its simplicity in storyline belies a film that should be studied for its coherence in mise en scene. Not since Eyes Wide Shut has colour been used so effectively, and in this film the constancy of the colour red is outstandingly played out. I'm still trying to figure out its significance but I thought about it being about security. If I am correct, then it is quite a radical use of that colour, since red is usually about passion (compassion), danger and in Alice and Wonderland references - dreaming (eyes wide shut). I suppose there is the compassion context to it and also the danger component, but I saw the red being used quite a lot for security (the blanket, the tent, the jackets, the sacred heart). I will not write any more about the film because it must be watched without a spoiler filled review having dissected it. But look out for a dissection in a few weeks because it is such a good film. In fact, this film requires multiple viewings, and it will be easy to watch it a few times because not only is there a lot to look out for, but there are some outstanding acting. Firstly, this is the best performance by a child on film since Empire of the Sun (and previously, E.T.) and the film rests on his expert shoulders. Secondly, Bruce Willis demonstrates that he can act, with his ironic sense of humour seeping into the film - not relying on action shows that he works well as an actor, and builds on his good role in Mercury Rising. Toni Collette would have to be one of the best actors around. She was amazing in this film as the mother - It's a supporting role but there wasn't the slightest hint of an Australian accent. Her and Cate Blanchett always seem to pick excellent roles, but then again, they're excellent actors. The Sixth Sense is a classic, and it is the film to beat for this year's oscars. I won't venture into the problems with the film because it will necessarily wreck it for those who haven't seen it, so that will come with the dissection.
90/100