Writer/Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Starring: Samuel L. Jackson, Bruce Willis and Robin Wright
‘A Comic-Book Classic’
Not many actors have achieved praise of Samuel L. Jackson. Ever since his rise to praise in the 1990’s, Jackson has become a beloved icon. Whether it is cruel gangsters, slave owners or political leaders, Jackson has portrayed many strong characters. Arguably, Jackson’s strength as an actor has always been his strong commitment to his craft. He is one of those rare actors that has always had a talent for stealing the show in supportive roles which have limited screen-time. Even if he isn’t the main focus of a movie, Jackson has always left a strong impression. An actor with commitment to his craft, Jackson has become a beloved icon in modern-day entertainment. Throughout a lasting career, Jackson has made several movies that are worth talking about without a doubt.
I’m a huge fan of Jackson and adore all the movies he has made in his career. However, “Unbreakable” is my favourite. Released in 2000, M. Night Shyamalan’s movie offered a strong portrait of unbreakable superheroes. Packed with breathtaking visuals, engaging storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the finest comic-book movies ever made. At a center of it all is an iconic performance by Samuel L. Jackson, who portrays a bold owner of a comic book store. Ultimately, what makes “Unbreakable” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most comic-book movies, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. A mesmerizing masterpiece about comic-book heroes, there are many strong reasons why “Unbreakable” is a film worth watching.
“Unbreakable” tells a story of a superhero that’s unbreakable. Bruce Willis embodies David Dunn, an ordinary man unaware of his identity. David has often led a perfectly normal life without experiencing tensions. However, David’s life drastically changes when he survives a train accident leading towards discovery of superpowers. As he becomes aware of his newfound powers, David questions whether it’s possible for him to discover his identity. Assisted by the comic-book artist Elijah Prince (Samuel L. Jackson), David embarks on a journey to discover his superpowers with dedication. Faced with superpowers that prove to be unbreakable, David questions whether it’s possible for him to survive in a world that’s questionable.
M. Night Shyamalan is fascinated with the stories of gifted individuals. A spectacular filmmaker, Shyamalan has often produced engaging movies about supernatural power. His iconic horror movie “The Sixth Sense” offered a powerful portrait of children that have supernatural powers that are intense. With “Unbreakable”, however, Shyamalan crafted his first ever comic-book movie. It was the filmmaker’s attempt to capture the lives of gifted superheroes facing adversity but he succeeded tremendously. Through bold cinematography, Shyamalan captures a superhero embarking on a journey to find his heroic identity. Evoking Richard Donner’s “Superman”, Shyamalan effectively employs POV shots to capture tensions superheroes are facing. For instance, POV shots elevate superpowers discoveries scene. During this unforgettable scene, David discovers that he has superpowers which cause tensions. Using POV shots, Shyamalan constructs a portrait of heroes which is compelling. POV shots are complex techniques. As Quentin Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction” suggested, POV shots elevate crime films. Nevertheless, it works immensely. Through stunning visuals, Shyamalan captures the hardships heroes are facing.
Anther admirable aspect of “Unbreakable” that merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the movie is extremely well made. Evoking Tim Burton’s “Batman”, Shyamalan uses cross-cutting to capture tensions superheroes are enduring. For instance, cross-cutting enhances the superhero attack scene. During this tense scene, David has a frightening fight with a group of superheroes which causes tension. Using cross-cutting, Shyamalan creates a strong portrait of heroes which is engaging. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. James Newton Howard’s music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the movie an intense atmosphere capturing the burden that heroes bear. Using strong production, Shyamalan captures the lives of heroes that face tension.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Unbreakable” is a comic-book film that is compelling. The movie is beautifully written, and effectively uses silence to capture the tensions that unbreakable heroes commonly experience. For instance, silence enhances the secret scene. During this intense scene, David bids emotional farewell to his family after he discovered his superhero identity. Through silence, Shyamalan constructs a portrait of heroes that audiences relate to. Silence is a tricky technique to use in films. As Spike Lee’s “Do the Right Thing” proved, silence enhances films about racism. Steven Spielberg’s “Jurassic Park” claimed silence elevates movies about dinosaurs. However, it works in this movie. Through a fantastic screenplay, Shyamalan captures heroes facing a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Samuel L. Jackson delivers one of his best performances as Elijah Prince. Jackson earned praise playing gangsters in crime movies. With “Unbreakable”, however, the actor took on his most tricky role. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. With mesmerizing expressions, he captures the angst, grief and desperation of a comic-book owner facing tensions. It’s a terrific performance from one of the best actors working in the industry today.
While the movie is mainly a showcase for Samuel L. Jackson, the supporting cast is amazing. Bruce Willis is brilliant, capturing the ambition of a superhero with dreams to accomplish dreams of film criticism he has grown to cherish. Robin Wright is riveting. As a doctor, she brings wisdom to the movie.
Finally, “Unbreakable” will earn the praise of everyone for capturing heroes which prove to be unbreakable. Unlike most comic-book movies, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. It discusses bold themes of bravery, mental health and trauma which everyone will relate to. Viewers don’t need to be familiar with lives of heroes to relate to it. It delivers a meaningful message about heroism that would resonate with everyone.
Fans of Samuel L. Jackson will absolutely enjoy “Unbreakable” and so would movie-goers seeking enjoyable entertainment. A breathtaking comic-book blockbuster, it honours an iconic actor.
Nearly 25 years following the treeless of a groundbreaking film about powerful heroes facing obstacles which prove unbreakable, it’s a remarkable reminder of an actor that has built an enduring legacy through ability to portray compelling characters in iconic movies which audiences consider extremely special.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 