Il Sesto Senso di M. Night Shyamalan: A Thrilling Review
Prepare to be captivated as we delve into the chilling world of M. Night Shyamalan’s masterpiece, “Il Sesto Senso.” Released in 1999, this horror film is considered one of the most eerie of all time. Follow young Cole, played by Haley Joel Osment, a boy with the ability to see and communicate with the dead. His psychologist, Dr. Malcolm Crowe, portrayed by Bruce Willis, tries to help him, believing the child suffers from a mental illness, only to discover that his abilities are real. With an iconic plot twist and some of the most frightening scenes ever seen, this thriller catapulted Shyamalan into Hollywood stardom, becoming one of the most significant films of the ’90s.
However, behind the scenes, the young director, then virtually unknown with only a couple of films under his belt, was quite nervous. Part of his anxiety stemmed from directing Bruce Willis, one of cinema’s biggest stars, known for his strong-willed nature on set. Years later, director Kevin Smith would describe working with Willis in the 2010 film “Cop Out” as “soul-crushing” due to creative differences.
Considering Willis’ iconic role as John McClane in Die Hard, it was understandable that Shyamalan feared being on the wrong side of that legend.
A Tense Encounter on Set
In an interview with GQ, reflecting on his most iconic films, Shyamalan recounted a moment on the set of “Il Sesto Senso” that frightened him more than any ghost in the film. At the end of a day’s shoot, while filming a scene, Willis felt he had already delivered a satisfactory performance, but Shyamalan wanted to try something different.
“And, you know, it’s one of those weird moments that scare you. You decide something that could influence your whole life. I approach him, look at him, and walk towards him. I whisper in his ear, and I could feel the tension coming out of his body […] he was ready to react. I said, ‘I want you to do another take and try this.’ I stepped back, and he looked at me with a cold gaze, you know, icy. Then I shouted, ‘Action, let’s go!'”
Willis delivered the requested performance, which was ultimately used in the film, and then left the set. Shortly after, Shyamalan was informed that Willis wanted to speak with him in his trailer. Understandably, the young director was extremely nervous. But what transpired left him speechless. Willis was thrilled with the director’s performance and paid him an extraordinary compliment:
“What you just did, I’ve only felt it once before today, with Quentin [Tarantino] in Pulp Fiction. You’ve got something, kid. Really something.”
Shyamalan fondly recalled that moment, stating he felt like he was “skipping down the sidewalk,” understandable given he had just been compared to one of the greatest independent directors of the ’90s.
A Lasting Collaboration
The bond between Willis and Shyamalan didn’t end with “Il Sesto Senso.” They continued to work together in the “Unbreakable” trilogy, where Willis portrayed a seemingly invulnerable character. However, it is in “Il Sesto Senso” that their collaboration reaches its peak, giving life to Shyamalan’s best film of his career.
This anecdote highlights not only the tension and intensity that can arise between a young talent and an established legend but also the importance of trust and creative risk-taking, which can lead to extraordinary results.
Watch the iconic “I see dead people” scene from “Il Sesto Senso” below:
© Reproduction reserved.
FAQs
1. What is “Il Sesto Senso” about?
“Il Sesto Senso” follows young Cole, who can see and communicate with the dead, and his psychologist Dr. Malcolm Crowe as they navigate the supernatural.
2. Who are the main actors in the film?
The main actors are Haley Joel Osment as Cole, Bruce Willis as Dr. Malcolm Crowe.
3. How did M. Night Shyamalan feel working with Bruce Willis?
Initially nervous, Shyamalan found confidence and praise in Willis’ unexpected compliment.
4. What other films did Shyamalan and Willis collaborate on?
They worked together in the “Unbreakable” trilogy.
5. What did Bruce Willis compare Shyamalan’s directing to?
Willis compared Shyamalan’s directing to Quentin Tarantino’s work in “Pulp Fiction.”
6. What was the impact of “Il Sesto Senso” on Shyamalan’s career?
The film catapulted Shyamalan into Hollywood stardom and is considered his best work.
7. How did Shyamalan describe his experience with Willis on set?
Shyamalan felt a mix of nerves and excitement while working with Willis, culminating in an unexpected compliment.
8. What genre does “Il Sesto Senso” belong to?
“Il Sesto Senso” is a horror thriller film.
9. What is the significance of the plot twist in the film?
The plot twist in the film is iconic and adds to the overall suspense and mystery of the story.
10. How did the collaboration between Shyamalan and Willis impact the film industry?
Their collaboration showcased the importance of creative risk-taking and trust in filmmaking, leading to extraordinary results.