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Signs
Directed by
M. Night Shyamalan
Writing credits
M. Night Shyamalan
Staring
Mel Gibson as Father Graham Hess
Joaquin Phoenix as Merrill Hess
In a nutshell
A family living on a farm finds crop circles in their crops. All hell breaks and some scary stuff happens. Good stuff all around, go see it because I said so!
The review
If you’re hoping to see huge spaceships devastating cities with death rays or large-scale air battles between flying saucers and Air Force Fighter Jocks, go rent “Independence Day”. But, if you want to see a thought provoking film with a touch of horror, a healthy dose of suspense, plenty of well-crafted character development, realistic human reaction to earth shattering events and even a little humor, go see “Signs” tonight.
Although it may not have been the intention of the film’s creator, M. Night Shyamalan, there were many issues dealt with in the story that many of us were dealing with after the real life tragedies of September 11th. Issues like losing faith, dealing with the loss of loved ones, obsessing about the news and feeling certain that the world was ending were all fundamental parts of this film.
“Signs” was much more than just another Sci-Fi, alien invasion movie; it was foremost a story about maintaining faith in the wake of tragedy. Throughout the film, Graham Hess, a former Reverend, played by Mel Gibson, denies his faith while the frightening events occurring around him force him to believe the unbelievable. Ultimately it is his faith that shapes the very out come of the story.
The film itself is viewed largely on faith by the audience, as the director shows you very little of the antagonist throughout most of the tale. He cleverly uses camera angles and shadows to heighten suspense and to only hint at the danger just behind the door or around the corner. You’re shown just enough to let your imagination run wild leaving you to only fearfully guess at what lies ahead. But rest assured, your faith is rewarded at the end. And to me, that’s the message in this story.
The movie was less about aliens and crop circles then it was about people and how they can find their sense of purpose and reaffirm their faith during the most difficult of times.
Added: Tuesday, September 03, 2002
Reviewer: thebryon
Score: 
Related web link: The Official Site
hits: 1470
Language: eng
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Posted by kook_amonga on Apr 11, 2004 - 05:38 PM
Your rating:
I'm a huge Shyalaman fan, let me say that first, but I was terribly disappointed by Signs. For me, the movie had a very manufactured sense of suspense, and the Gibson character never drew me in and made me root for his character. After Sixth Sense and Unbreakable, which I consider to be the finest "comic book" movie ever made, I felt as though the director indulged his camera quirks and quiet drama and cute kids moments way too much.
The kicker came at the end of the movie, when we hear the movie end on the radio but don't SEE it. That is filmmaking mistake Numero Uno: always SHOW, never TELL. It's insulting to the audience. |
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Posted by crackerstyle on Sep 04, 2002 - 12:52 PM
Your rating: 
I thought this movie was outstanding. Gibson and Phoenix helped to tell a great story without having to supe it up with a mind numbing bombardment of special effects *cough*Lucas*cough*. |
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Posted by Matt on Sep 03, 2002 - 11:24 PM
Your rating:
I recommend this film.
I think the studios did a bait and switch based on the ads and the actual type of movie. I think a lot of people were expecting some kind of John Carpentar's 'The Thing' or 'Aliens' or whatever.
I thought it was a brilliant film, but I wish the message could have been the opposite.
Was it a story about a man taking control of his interpretations of reality, or was it a story about a man letting his interpretations of reality take control of him?
There really were so many touching moments in that film. Mel did a great job making it all real. |
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Posted by thebryon on Sep 03, 2002 - 09:04 PM
Your rating:
Yes, the code is in fact flakey... :P This did in fact remind me of Unbreakable too. So far he's 3 for 3 in my book, I may have a new favorite movie maker, too bad I can't remember his name either... |
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Posted by rampy on Sep 03, 2002 - 07:52 PM
Your rating:
I concur... good flick... suspensefull (it's in vogue to call it hitchcokian...)
l
I like m. night shshshfsdhagla's stuff (but apparentley not enough to remember how to spell his last name... then again can I spell Tarrantino?)
This had some shades of unbreakable in it stylistically,,, or mood wise or maybe on a primal theme level... or not... I liked both films ....
so.. uh.. yeah.. btw the review code is a liittle flakey... fyi... try not to bitch about it too much =P |
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