Guest massivHEDtrauma Report post Posted August 10, 2002 Signs, oh how I loved it. M. Night Shyamalan has been shot to the top of my favorite current directors list due to this movie, just edging out such notables as Steven Spielberg, David Fincher and Spike Jonze. The acting was inspired. The child actors were great in their roles and didn't seem to be forcing their lines one bit. I cannot remember where I read it, but in one review, someone said the children appear to be fleshing out their characters themselves rather than simply copying what the adults around them are doing. I agree with that statement 100%. Aside from the kids, Mel Gibson was excellent, doing his best work since Braveheart in my humble opinion. There is a particular scene when he is basically cursing God, saying he hates him and whatnot, and it is just wonderful. Joaquin Phoenix also did well, but he was obviously playing second fiddle to Mel Gibson. Nonetheless, he was great in his role, continuing his streak of really damned good movies. The directing was more than inspired. It was GREAT. Shyamalan must give genius inspiration to his actors, because he wrenches great performances out of everyone. This guy seriously has a gift with child actors. The camera angles and the general camera work is at times breathtaking. He uses reflection in many different ways, maximizing the thrills in the movie. His pacing is absolutely perfect, as you can feel the tension in all the scenes because they are slow-moving, building speed as they go. It really gives you time to ready yourself for the inevitable "jump" to come. The story I love simply because it isn't just a story about an alien invasion: it's a dramatic, well-acted, sci-fi, suspensefully thrilling story about a man's struggle with faith and his place in the universe. What an anomoly. It's so different it's excellent. This is the best movie I've seen this year so far. I also personally think it blows Sixth Sense out of the water as Shyamalan's best. Anyways...I've said my piece. Anyone agree/disagree? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Lethargic Report post Posted August 10, 2002 I liked it ok. I think Sixth Sense was one of the worst pieces of crap I've ever seen. I loved Unbreakable. So I'd put Signs right in the middle. More of my thoughts on it are HERE if you're interested. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Narcoleptic Jumper Report post Posted August 11, 2002 I thought it was a marvelous achievement. Brilliant film, best of the year so far. Shymalan should get an Academy Award for his direction. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
