The Sixth Sense
Official Buena Vista Pictures Site
Starring: Bruce Willis, Toni Collette, Olivia Williams, Haley Joel Osment,
Donny Wahlberg, Mischa Barton
Category: Thriller
Rating: PG-13
The Sixth Sense is like a book you can't put down. It just misses being a "psychological" thriller, because it's more supernatural than scientific. And by the end you might feel like a participant in the "recovery" rather than a static observer, so intelligently does this film unfold. Lengthy camera stills on Philadelphia sights like statues and fountains, and the general lack of lighting add to the tension. But the acting takes time you don't often see in films anymore, so listen carefully - you'll be glad you did!
Bruce Willis stars as Dr. Malcolm Crowe, a child psychiatrist driven to attone for a misdiagnosis that results in tragedy. This has got to be Willis' best role to date, and ably demonstrates how he is the male version of the girl-next-door. Earnest and capable - Dr. Crowe is the only man who can help his newest charge find a solution to his unique problem.
British actress Olivia Williams (Rushmore) plays Crowe's wife, and walks a fine line doing it. The most fascinating aspect to The Sixth Sense involves this character, not least of which is Williams' Grace Kelly-like accent. Donny Wahlberg (Mark's brother?) plays Dr. Crowe's former patient, in the most disturbing scene Sixth Sense offers up. It's amazing how this ex-New Kid will make you squirm.
Haley Joel Osment plays 8-year-old Cole Sear, a little boy who is haunted by ghosts. Literally. Osment is incredibly believable as the object of ghosts' unwanted attention. His life is one gruesome sighting after another, and leaves one wondering how he got to age eight so intact. But Cole's mom, played by Australian actress Toni Collette (Muriel's Wedding, The Pallbearer, Emma), provides the stability her son needs to deal with his bullies, living or dead.
The Sixth Sense is rated PG-13 for graphic images and adult themes. It's not for kids, however, and I can only guess that if the movie had included nudity it would have easily earned an R. Apart from a few jumpy moments The Sixth Sense was more interesting than scary, and will inspire conversations once you leave the theater. Be sure to write me after you see it!
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Copyright 1999 by Kathe
