ARCHIVE REVIEW
The Sixth Sense on DVD - 2000
I know I was a little late to pick up on this movie. I actually wanted to see the movie when it was in theaters, but never made it. I am kind of glad that I waited for it to come out on DVD. Not only did I get to witness one of the best movies that I have seen in a long while, the DVD comes with some nice "Extra" features, such as some deleted scenes. Author and Director (and even actor) M. Night Shyamalan talks about what the scenes are and why they were left out of the movie. This includes an extended ending that Shyamalan claims to be his favorite part of the movie and it made him sick to take it out. And speaking of making people sick, this DVD also has a sample of Shyamalan's first movie that he made at the age of 12. His point, while he laughs, is so that aspiring young movie writers and directors can look at it and say "Hey, I can do better than the guy who wrote The Sixth Sense." And by looking at that segment, they would be right. Anyway, I will attempt to get to my point without giving anything away for those of you who have not seen the movie yet. In my opinion, Osment was tremendous as Cole Sear. I have seen adult actors that couldn't handle a part like his. A nomination for an Academy Award was not enough, he should have won the award, based on his performance and the degree of difficulty of the role he had to play. Bruce Willis does not pick bad roles (if you don't count Hudson Hawk and North). And whatever role he does take, he gives 100% (I hate the term 110% or I would have used it). And he does no less as Dr. Malcom Crowe. One great thing that you learn, thanks to the "Extra" features of the DVD is that Shyamalan originally wrote the script with Willis in mind, but thought they could never afford him because of the film's low budget. But, for the hell of it, they thought they would ask him. His answer is obvious. And by doing that, it shows that Bruce is a class act by choosing his role from a great script instead of a great payroll. His love for acting is apparent in his work. Olivia Williams' role is not too extensive as Dr. Crowe's wife but Toni Colette does a very fine job as Cole's mother. And you might not recognize her with her wig, she looks like a Philly mom (whatever that means). And if you can believe it, this movie was done without the use of special effects (just good old fashion Hollywood make-up). That seems almost unheard of in movies today. Especially such a blockbuster as this movie. But, you really don't miss them. The plot and the acting really carry the movie beyond special effects. I will say this much, you need to pay attention. Don't get up and go to the bathroom, or wash the dishes, or do the laundry or answer the phone, or (you get the point). If you do, hit the pause button. They are great aren't they? So, if you haven't seen this movie yet, or even if you have seen it, you need to get this movie on DVD. The "Extras" are worth it and the movie is even more worth it. And take the time to watch them, you will find them very interesting. If you can't tell by now, I am going to rate this move a 10. There, I did the best I could to express my opinion without getting into the plot or scenarios. You will thank me later.