JEFF OF THE CINEFILES: HALL OF FAME: FILE #0022: UNBREAKABLE (2000)

Written & Directed: M. Night Shyamalan
Cinematography By: Eduardo Serra
Editor: Dylan Tichenor

Cast: Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson, Robin Wright-Penn, Spencer Treat Clark, Charlayne Woodard, Eamonn Walker, Leslie Stefanson.



This suspense thriller unfolds as the audience is introduced to David Dunn. Not only is he the sole survivor of a horrific train-crash that killed 131 people he doesn't have a scratch on him. Elijah Price is an obscure character who approaches Dunn with a seemingly far fetched theory behind it all.

I will be the first to admit that this film is overlong. Though I enjoy it so much I don’t mind it though it is noticeable and certain elements can be annoying that the film chooses to present as Needed that could have easily been cut out.

The reason they are here seems to be As part of M. Night Shyamalan’s over indulgence into his own ideas and writing. It’s not that he doesn’t have talent but I believe he is a victim of believing his own hype. After the runaway success of his first film THE SIXTH SENSE. He received so many accolades, he believed he could do no wrong.

Over the years he has been proven wrong and for awhile I believe he used the twists in his films as a crutch, but he seemed to believe it as a calling card or a touch just to let you know it was his signature. Thinking himself a modern day master of suspense though the films seemed to be just a build up to the twist. In the time we wait for the ending (Some of us waiting for it to end not necessarily the twist) He tries to make compelling flawed characters who are caught up in the cruelty of the world or a society. Somehow by the end they are somewhat heroic.

Several scenes relating to the "Mr. Glass" character involve glass:
• as a newborn, he's primarily seen reflected in mirrors
• as a young child, he's seen reflected in a blank TV screen
• he leaves his calling card on the windshield of David Dunn's car
• he's reflected in a glass frame in his art gallery
• his walking stick is made of glass
• comic books seen behind him in one scene are of Thor, who for a time in the 1980s, had a curse upon him where his bones were brittle and would break easily.

His style and ambition more or less came across as him wanting to be a mixture of Steven Spielberg with the fantasy and innocent kid stuck in a dark world elements Mixed with Alfred Hitchcock with the thriller element and the cameos he made in his own films. Which hit a peak with him giving himself full fledged supporting roles in his films. If he had came around in the 80’s he would be a powerful director as his films started to play into subtle high concept ideas. If he were around in that time each new film he made would be seen as a event, but he came around later when audiences are more discerning.

He’s an auteur when you watch his films you now it’s his.

The slowness of the film might throw some off. It's a style that Mr. Shamalayan uses with most of his films. Just like his allegiance to Philadelphia where he grew up. The pace actually works better because as any comic or graphic novel fan can tell you. You have to get through a lot of issues to tell and have a complete story as the tone and mood is set and  so are the dimensions of the characters and tale.

His storytelling trait of having a twist works well in this film. Though it becomes weaker in context as everything hinges on that twist and while it might make sense once you get to the end. If getting there is a chore it won't really matter.

This is truly the only film he has made that comes close to being a masterpiece.

The film takes an origin story and places it in he hands of a middle aged male. Instead of some young teenager who has very few responsibilities up to that point. This is a man who has lived and had experiences that have already shaped his mind and life. There are no bright or loud colors is this world, really everything is gray and lifeless in color. He direct opposite of most comic books grounding this film less in fantasy.

Samuel l. Jackson's hair is outrageous and a clue to his true role as he is always unhappy, has a rather strange ailment and unusual devices. His look which is cool yet distracting though wildly different from those around him. Something villains absolutely have.

One of the reasons I believe the film was judged so harshly is a double edged sword. The sixth sense was a surprise hit hat was universally praised. So his next film was going to be met with backlash either way. Critics quick to label him a one trick pony, some expecting a more ground Breaking twist, some not wanting a twist at all hoping he had grown as a writer and was too good for that to keep using it as a crutch.

I can admit the film needed to, Maybe be cut by 20 minutes. I enjoyed it more than i expected to, the film was traditional in many ways but it also took chances and was experimental. Look at the camera work in the first scene how h hoots the conversation going back and forth.

This was supposed to be the first in a trilogy. I don't know of that was a good idea or not, because while I love his as a stand-alone. These are characters i would have liked to see explored more and catch up with in maybe a ultimately bigger story that we were only introduced to. Then again of not was part o a plan already set it would be good though of it was just made up to make more sequels it wouldn't work and aero as Mr. Shamalayan hasn't made films as good since this film because of hubris and looking to please an audience more ad mystify instead of maybe sticking to your instinct and particular vision while letting a lot of collaboration in might be the key.

Samuel l. Jackson has a villains backstory of being poked on and made fun of for something that made him special. He film uses has love of comic lore to make him seem like the idealistic fan who used the heroes tale of perspective and while having the public scorn you. You still believe and it for them. Here he uses his hatred to fuel his success and have revenge, but realizes if he is special like that he must have a enemy who is the opposite and uses terror to fish him out.

There are subtleties at work within the film. Like we realize he has always been invincible . So he never really got injured in the car crash. The reason he faked it was to stay with his high school sweetheart. So he truly did give up everything including the greater good for her. Now while the Spielberg influence which he has admitted to. Spielberg however wouldn't allow for so much darkness and bleakness of some scenes. Like when he touches some people he can see their history and horrible secrets yet are deemed innocent and normal. Spielberg seems to be more of a boy scout where all evil must be punished and everyone has good in them. In this film some get away and the punishment for the evil doer is very harsh and graphic.

This film cemented him with his own identity, but though a hit might have begun his downfall as budgets got bigger, but stories became more outlandish. Nor would he ever seem as confident behind the camera again.

To tell you the truth though I am really only a fan of this one film. The only other film I can think of that is passable that he has made is SIGNS. There are so many reasons and elements as to why this film was really enjoyable and made an impact on me.

It goes into places that you never see coming. Most just by the trailer would suspect this to be a miracle movie or suspect he was some kind of alien. Though we eventually learn this is a great dramatic Superhero origin story.

As the film goes on we suspect the whole basis of the film will be to reveal he isn’t as powerful as everyone thinks he is or we will wait for him to accept responsibility and embrace his role in life as different and a hero. The film makes us think we are sitting through this just waiting for him to be ok with himself and reconnect with his family to make us realize how much he really loves his wife and is willing to do anything to get her back. Even learning he faked a injury when they were dating just to have a reason to stay with her giving up a promising future for her. Then finally at the end the rug is pulled out from under us. A character we trusted and sympathized with is revealed to be the polar opposite of what we thought as it is revealed the film tips it’s hat to reveal why we should have known. Giving us clues and things to look back upon.

The film is stuffed with Graphic novel and super heroic themes and atmosphere mixed with a gritty reality though the way it is filmed seems gritty yet streamlined and gothic in a way. The buildings look like modern marvels of stone and steel. Samuel L. Jackson always reminding us of Superhero codes of conduct the power of the stories and characters in them. Hell his character even looks like a human Cartoon character because of his medical condition that sound like something debilitating but also something that would have to be made up. Yet the actors and the filmmakers make it all believable. Even with his outrageous look and the quirky devices he uses to travel in. Including damaging Backstory that gives you a glimpse into his decisions and actions. The emotions on display the actions. Now I will say this film will disappoint expecting the traditional super hero film no great feat very little action. Even the catastrophic accident is seen in aftermath.

Several camera angles were chosen to simulate the comic book device of a frame around each scene.

The film begins with a great character introduction where we start to get to know him and we get a sense of his character with inventive camera work also.

The name Elijah is a Biblical reference. Elijah was prophesied to return to Earth to pave the way for the coming of the Son of David, a savior.

It seems the elements that worked for audiences in the first film are repeated here. To me with greater skill that makes the difference in enjoyment and appreciation. Both films present themselves as genre movies that you have no idea will become mysteries to a certain degree.

I think I enjoyed this film more as it doesn’t force itself or really feed the audience. This film leaves you to make your own decisions. This is where Shyamalan hit’s his stride. I really believe this to be his masterpiece at least so far. His strength is in. A different way to tell a familiar tale. which I believe he tries with all his films though in his later work he seemed to get lost ad become a little more ridiculous. Here and with the sixth sense it seemed more like he was indulging his passion as he seems to be a fan of both thriller and horror films, plus comic books so here he is getting a chance to make his own versions of them. Look at his fairy tale LADY IN THE WATER or better don’t.

Bruce Willis' character is named David Dunn. It is very common for the "secret identities" of comic book heroes to be alliterative (e.g. Peter Parker, Bruce Banner, Matt Murdock and Clark Kent).

The film has memorable 3 dimensional character with real problems and not always the right answers. As the film goes along it actually doesn’t become a feel good film. It stays true to it’s dark heart.

The film struck me as a heartbreaker in it’s final minutes. Though the end scroll takes you out of the film and makes it all seem ridiculous. The film would have been fine without it.

I admire this film as it was so subversive to me. It actually shocked me in the internet age as I didn’t predict anything that happened and had me in it’s grip from beginning to end. It also appealed to my creative side by telling a story making a tale that at this point has become basic and making in a way no one seems to have thought of before and presenting it disorienting almost so that you are tricked into a genre film that you weren’t expecting at all.

Some camera shots show David in a hooded raincoat. Which may be to imply that he's some sort of a caped crusader.

Seeing in the theater on it’s first weekend I didn’t know what to expect and wasn’t expecting much really as I was seeing it for free and alone after work. It affected me so much as I was watching I kept wondering what was going to happen next. How it would end. after I really had to take it all in and it didn’t leave my mind I kept thinking about the film. Before the film I avoided Spoilers since THE SIXTH SENSE was ruined for me right before I saw it. This film had me fully in it’s grip the whole time. I will admit it’s not the fastest moving film , But keeps you intrigued throughout.

Some camera shots show David in a hooded raincoat. Which may be to imply that he's some sort of a caped crusader.

Throughout the film it’s mostly a battle of wills between Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson as Jackson seems to try to force a friendship upon him and advise him. Though I will Say Samuel L. Jackson’s character is the most memorable in the whole film and one of his most memorable roles to me. While also serving as a Reunion between him and Willis from their first Co-starring film together DIE HARD: WITH A VENGENCE.

This is a film you definitely must watch from beginning to end and pay attention to everything to truly get the feel and power of the film fully.

Now I Realize this film might not be all audiences cup of tea.

I admire how so much is accomplished without special effects or action sequences. Things are more subtle yet it still works. When I heard it was planned as a trilogy I looked forward to it, But as audiences seemed to have a distaste for it and didn’t make as much money as was planned. That idea was sunk. I think it would have been interesting to see what character would have been created or the evolution of the lead character at this point in his life on his journey. It’s a film I admire even more as it is from a filmmaker I am not particularly a fan of yet managed to impress me and definitely influence me. I wish someday I can make something close to it at heart

The film taught me the value of experimenting with audience perception

GRADE: A