THE SIXTH SENSE
1999 • M. Night Shyamalan
Screenplay: M. Night Shyamalan
Producers: Frank Marshall, Kathleen Kennedy, Barry Mendel
Cast: Bruce Willis, Toni Collette, Olivia Williams, Haley Joel Osment
Cinematography: Tak Fujimoto
Music: James Newton Howard
Buena Vista Pictures
Do you know why you're afraid when you're alone? I do. I do.
Before Shyamalan started relying too much on his gimmicks, The Sixth Sense emerged as the film that propelled him into the spotlight. This psychological ghost story remains a gripping masterpiece that perfectly sets the atmosphere from the beginning. Its eerie atmosphere, bone-chilling moments, and acting showcases from the three leads make this a must-see for every budding cinephile. It's a prime example of a filmmaker successfully executing a captivating and haunting story.
One of the film's standout features is its legendary twist ending, which continues to be hailed as one of the greatest of all time. Without giving anything away, the revelation is a jaw-dropping moment that reshapes everything you thought you knew about the story. The Sixth Sense is a rare gem that demands your undivided attention, as it weaves a complex web of supernatural mystery and human emotion. If by some miraculous chance, you have managed to avoid spoilers over the years, take the opportunity to watch this movie now before anyone inadvertently ruins its “how did I miss that?” ending.
Beyond its twist, The Sixth Sense is elevated by outstanding performances. Bruce Willis delivers a nuanced portrayal of a child psychologist trying to help a troubled young boy, played impeccably by Haley Joel Osment. Their on-screen chemistry brings depth and authenticity to their characters, amplifying the film's emotional impact. Toni Collette plays the boy’s mother and is probably one of the greatest on-screen moms of all time with her fierce yet tender portrayal. (On a side note, why didn’t she win the Oscar for this? And don’t get me started on not even being nominated for Hereditary. Ridiculous.). Shyamalan's direction effectively combines subtlety and tension, heightening the eerie atmosphere with clever camerawork by Tak Fujimoto and a haunting score by James Newton Howard. This combination of top-notch performances and masterful filmmaking solidifies The Sixth Sense as an enduring classic that stands the test of time.
Still one of the greatest twist endings of all time. And if you're the last person in the world that DOESN'T know the ending, stop what you're doing and watch this movie now before someone inadvertently ruins it for you.
I see dead people.
AWARDS & HONORS
Academy Awards
Nominated: Best Picture
Nominated: Best Director
Nominated: Best Supporting Actor - Haley Joel Osment
Nominated: Best Supporting Actress - Toni Collette
Nominated: Best Original Screenplay
Nominated: Best Film Editing
Golden Globes
Nominated: Best Supporting Actor - Haley Joel Osment
Nominated: Best Actor - Bruce Willis
American Film Institute
AFI's 100 Years...100 Thrills – No. 60
AFI's 100 Years...100 Movie Quotes: - "I see dead people." – No. 44
AFI's 100 Years...100 Movies (10th Anniversary Edition) – No. 89
