Produced in 1999 and directed and written by M. Night Shyamalan, this movie is one of four horror films to receive an Oscar nomination for Best Picture. Nominated for six Academy Awards, the film is a classic ghost story, which abounds with chills and thrills. It was so popular that the year after its release it was rented by 80 million people, making it the top rated DVD and tape for the year 2000. When pitching the film, Shyamalan referred to it as a cross between “The Exorcist” (1973) and “Ordinary People” (1980). Starring Bruce Willis, Toni Collette, Olivia Williams, Mischa Barton and Haley Joe Osment as Cole Sear, this is a story about communication of a special kind; one that surpasses the human experience and goes beyond the natural realm.
The plot centers on a child psychologist, Malcolm Crowe, who is called upon to examine a little boy who “sees dead people.” He is a man who six months before was shot by a former patient, and he spends a great deal of time with the boy, much to the dismay of his wife. At first, he believes the child is indeed deluded, but as the story progresses he discovers that Cole may be seeing dead people after all.
Haley Joe Osment shines in this ghost story. Reputedly he got the part for three reasons. In the first instance, he was the best suited for it; in the second, he was the only little boy who came to the audition wearing a tie. Thirdly, when he was asked by the director if he read his part, he replied, “I read it three times last night.” Impressed the director replied, “Wow, you read your part three times?” “No”, replied Osment, “I read the script three times.”
A surprise ending and several genuinely frightening moments keep the audience riveted to their seats and make this film a must see for all lovers of the thriller genre.
Have YOU seen this scary movie? What are some of YOUR favorite moments?