These Three M Night Shyamalan Movies are Famous for Being Bad, But They are also Three of my Favorite Films of All Time

 

M. Night Shyamalan is a divisive film maker. Both genius trailblazer, and derided producer of turkeys in equal measure, his films at least get us talking. 

So let’s delve into the enigmatic world of M. Night Shyamalan, where twists and turns await at every corner. While some critics have dismissed these films as his weakest, I believe they hold a unique charm and all hold a place in my all time top 20. Buckle up as we explore the visual style, particularly focussing on the colour symbolism, and unsettling tones of three of Shyamalan’s most intriguing works: “Lady in the Water,” “The Happening,” and “Old.” 

Who knows; maybe these insights will encourage you to give these films a second chance?

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1. “Lady in the Water” (2006): A Watery Fable

An Unconventional Fairy Tale

“Lady in the Water” is a fractured fairy tale that defies convention. Shyamalan weaves a whimsical narrative rooted in mythology, where a water nymph (narf) seeks refuge in our world. The film’s visual style mirrors its fantastical premise. The color palette oscillates between cool blues and warm golds, evoking the ethereal and the mundane. The aquatic setting—whether a swimming pool or a rain-soaked forest—immerses us in a dreamlike atmosphere.

Color Symbolism

• Blue: Represents the mystical and otherworldly. The pool becomes a portal to the narf’s realm.
• Gold: Symbolizes hope, destiny, and the narf’s purpose. The golden hue surrounds our protagonist, Cleveland Heep (Paul Giamatti), as he discovers his role in this fable.

Unsettling Tone

Shyamalan masterfully blends whimsy with unease. The unsettling tone arises from the juxtaposition of the ordinary (apartment complex) and the extraordinary (mythical creatures). The narf’s vulnerability contrasts with the menacing tree monkeys, creating an eerie tension. The film’s self-awareness—embodied by the critic character Mr. Farber—adds a layer of meta-commentary, blurring the line between reality and fairy tale.

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2. “The Happening” (2008): Nature’s Wrath

A Quiet Apocalypse

“The Happening” thrusts us into an inexplicable crisis: people losing their minds and committing suicide. Shyamalan’s visual style emphasizes the ordinary—suburban streets, train stations, and open fields. The color palette shifts from serene greens to ominous grays, mirroring the gradual descent into chaos.

Color Symbolism

• Green: Initially represents tranquility and nature. Later, it morphs into dread as the plants turn against humanity.
• Gray: Signifies uncertainty, fear, and decay. The world becomes a graveyard.

Unsettling Tone

Shyamalan’s restraint amplifies the horror. The absence of traditional action scenes heightens the tension. The wind, carrying an invisible threat, becomes a character itself. The film’s quietude forces us to confront our vulnerability in the face of nature’s wrath.

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3. “Old” (2021): Time’s Cruelty

A Beach of Nightmares

“Old” transports us to a secluded beach where time accelerates, aging its visitors rapidly. Shyamalan’s visual style oscillates between serene beauty and visceral horror. The color palette shifts from warm yellows to cold blues, mirroring life’s fleeting moments.

Color Symbolism

• Yellow: Represents life, vitality, and the sun. The beach’s initial allure.
• Blue: Signifies melancholy, inevitability, and the passage of time. The sea becomes a metaphor for eternity.

Unsettling Tone

Shyamalan’s pacing is deliberate, allowing dread to seep in. The rapid aging process is both fascinating and horrifying. The beach, a paradise turned nightmare, forces characters to confront their mortality. The film’s final revelation leaves us pondering the fragility of existence.

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In Shyamalan’s universe, the ordinary conceals the extraordinary, and colors speak volumes. These supposedly “weakest” films offer hidden depths for those willing to dive in. So, next time you watch one of these, keep an eye out for the subtle hues and unsettling undertones—they might just reveal more than meets the eye.

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Disclaimer: No bees were harmed during the writing of this article.