The Village: Review

M. Night Shyamalan's films have become known for their trademark 'twist endings,' but as a writer/director, Shyamalan brings so much more to the table than surprise gimmicks. The thing that really sets apart M. Night's movies is their complete departure from mainstream 'popcorn' cinema. Every time you watch one of his films you feel like you're seeing something totally original. The Village is no exception, as it is a perfect example of M. Night's creative genius at work. Set in the 1800's, the story centers around a small Pennsylvania village and the mysterious creatures that lurk in the nearby woods. William Hurt and Bryce Dallas Howard give the highlight performances in the film. This is Bryce's first starring role, and she is definitely up to the task. Because The Village is so unconventional, it's easy to become frustrated halfway through the movie, because you have no idea where the story is going. Don't be discouraged-- just trust that Shyamalan will not lead you on a wild goose chase. I think films have become so formulaic, that audiences can tell in the first ten minutes or so where the plot is headed. When a rare original movie comes along, people get disoriented because they don't recognize any story pattern. But being disoriented can be a good thing, because not knowing what to expect can re-ignite the imagination. The Village is a great movie because it defies classification, breaks the genre molds and raises the bar of storytelling to a height that I hope other filmmakers will aspire to reach.

***1/2 (3.5 stars)