I just went to an opening day showing of The Happening. Why? Because I trusted M. Night Shyamalan. Notice my use of the past tense.
After the movie, I found myself sitting in the theater thinking, “What just happened?” This was probably the fourth or of fifth worst movie I’ve ever seen; keep in mind that I’ve seen some pretty terrible movies, and I have loved all of M. Night Shyamalan’s previous movies. Anyway; about what happened. I have a couple of theories. Both may be considered a bit spoilery, so go away if you care about that, and read this later, when you too are wondering how this movie ever came about. If you’re ready to see my theories, click the “read more” link, or whatever it says.
Theory 1: This movie was an experiment. It was an odd sort of subliminal something-or-other wherein M. Night wanted to see if he could make his viewers commit suicide. Except that it wasn’t subliminal at all, because the whole movie was about people committing suicide. The subliminal part is that the audience thought they were being driven to suicide by the poor quality of the movie. Or something like that. As I write it, this is making less and less sense. I do know what subliminal means. Really.
Theory 2: M. Night was, in fact, projecting his own suicidal thoughts on the majority of the characters. The movie itself was his suicide attempt. By making a movie of this quality, M. Night is hoping to incite an assassination.
10 responses so far ↓
1 candace // Jun 18, 2008 at 01:36
Ha. Amazing theories.
I just watched a 30-minute behind-the-scenes sort of thing about The Happening.
I think I forgive M. Night a little.
He seemed really passionate about this film. When you hear him explaining it, it causes you to hate the film a little less.
With this in mind, Brittany and I hope to go and see it again next week. We’re hoping that we’ll change our minds and see the artsy/poetic/M. Night-ness of the film. We’re going to a cheaper theatre, though.
2 Helen // Jun 18, 2008 at 07:12
Goodness, see it again?? Sheesh.
I would entertain your theories, Trevor. But still. The movie stank. And I wasted good money.
3 betsye // Jun 18, 2008 at 22:45
I agree theory 2.
What happened M. Night?
4 Michelle // Jun 21, 2008 at 10:42
So… not worth seeing?
5 Trevor // Jun 21, 2008 at 13:31
Except for the fact that it exists, no, it’s not particularly worth seeing.
6 betsye // Jun 21, 2008 at 21:09
Trevor, huh?
7 Trevor // Jun 21, 2008 at 21:26
What?
8 betsye // Jun 28, 2008 at 09:20
your comment confused me.nervermind
9 curtis // Jul 7, 2008 at 23:56
i just saw it. and i liked it. it was a good idea that could’ve been executed better. while there were several poorly delivered lines and it lacked some depth, i thought it was a good story. and it was the only movie ever to scare me and cause me to shout profanities in a movie theater (at the part where Markie Mark is checking out the scariest doll ever made and the creepy old lady starts yelling at him).
in any case, i thought it was better than lady in the water.
10 Brock // Sep 28, 2008 at 15:20
I liked it.
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