I’m starting to worry about M. Night Shyamalan. I really am. Ever since he blew audiences away (myself included) with The Sixth Sense I’ve been a devoted fan, anxiously awaiting to see what he cooks up for us next. I’ve always thought his films were full of subtleties, subtext, and plenty of food for thought.
The Sixth Sense was a brilliantly original ghost story; Unbreakable was one of the best comic book movies ever (not even based on a comic book mind you); Signs had some interesting points of view on faith, something I don’t say easily considering the fact I’m an Atheist. Hell, even The Village, as far-fetched as it was, was still entertaining. For the most part, Night’s always found a way to take familiar genre trappings and turn them into small, very personal stories.
Then came Lady in the Water. I was baffled. The Happening followed soon after. I was saddened by the end product, too. What has happened to this masterful storyteller?!!
That’s two strikes in my book, Night! Please, don’t strike out on your next swing.
If, however, you haven’t seen what I deem as Night’s strike two, you may or may not want to check it out for yourself when it hits DVD this October and see if I’m right on the money with my opinion or completely around the bend; Fox Home Entertainment has announced The Happening will be available to own on the 7th October, and should go for $29.98. The film will be presented in anamorphic widescreen, along with an English Dolby Digital 5.1 track. Extras will include deleted scenes with introductions from M. Night Shyamalan, behind the scenes featurettes (The Hard Cut, A Day for Night, Elements of a Scene, Visions of The Happening: A Making of, I Hear You Whispering) and a gag reel. A Blu-ray release will also be available for $39.98 with all of the above, plus scene specific PIP, 2 short featurettes (Train Shooting, Forces Unseen), and a digital copy of the film.
You don’t necessarily have to hit a home run next time out, Night, but at the very least let’s get on base.