The Village
(2004)
|
M. Night Shyamalan's THE VILLAGE finds the renowned writer-director crafting a suspenseful story of a small community whose inhabitants are plagued by fear of the unknown forest that surrounds them. For years, they have kept a truce with mysterious creatures in the woods by vowing never to breach a clearly defined border. However, when a young man (Joaquin Phoenix) becomes determined to explore the nearby towns, his actions are met with menacing consequences. Shyamalan continues his remarkable streak of entrancing and entertaining thrillers (THE SIXTH SENSE, UNBREAKABLE, SIGNS) with THE VILLAGE. A meticulous filmmaker, Shyamalan displays his penchant for setting up a fascinating atmosphere in every aspect of the movie, from its distinctive color scheme to its intentionally genteel dialogue to its outstanding cinematography, courtesy of Roger Deakins. Renowned cast members Phoenix, William Hurt, Sigourney Weaver, and Adrien Brody are excellent, but the true standout is Bryce Dallas Howard (daughter of director Ron Howard), who embodies the heart of the film with her vulnerable but fiercely vital performance. Like Shyamalan's other movies, THE VILLAGE has a distinct twist that offers shocking revelations, but this film's overwhelming sense of menace is what is sure to resonate with viewers long after it's over. |
Screenshots
M Night Shyamalan's reputation has been built on his way with a twist ending, and this unlikely cross between Lost Horizon and Alien continues the tradition set by The Sixth Sense and Signs. Set in an unspecified time and place, this beautifully photographed tale concerns an isolated rural community that seems idyllic — except for the mysterious creatures that inhabit the surrounding woods. The villagers respect the territory of these rarely seen beings, but the uneasy truce is challenged when Lucius Hunt (Joaquin Phoenix) steps across the boundary line. Shyamalan uses just about every trick in the book to create a sense of unease — spooky woods, creepy music and things that literally go bump in the night — and his cast performs admirably, particularly newcomer Bryce Dallas Howard (daughter of director Ron Howard). However, in trying to top his previous films, Shyamalan piles on the twists until the story buckles — this time, perhaps, less would have been more.