M. Night Shyamalan Breaks Down His Most Iconic Films | GQ

[@freddyb1769]

“The audience used to be up for new ideas every weekend.” I don’t love everything M. Night makes, but I love that he gets to keep making movies that are unapologetically his own in an industry that so rarely gives us original stories.

[@MrMoz32]

🎯🎯💯💯

[@Nick_Salcido]

Yup! Mad respect for him! No matter the movie, I’ll always go and see it.

[@tiananesbitt7156]

⬇️ Airbender 😷 Half the time I’m proud of him!

[@rext8949]

He makes garbage tbh .

[@garethbruce6475]

Aye I agree with you.sometimes he hits bum notes but some of his pictures hit me 100%. I admire his comebacks sometimes and other times I don't

[@IamFirtyDucker]

Although he’s inconsistent, M Nights high highs are unbelievable. Will always give him credit for writing original screenplay and directing original movies, even with the misses.

[@thiagoteixeira6537]

Exactly! Me too!

[@jpjordan90]

Inconsistent is subjective

[@KierGomes]

AGREED. The ones that hit are MAGNIFICENT films. And he seems so nice it’s hard to not love him.

[@calebisdisposable]

He’s mostly consistent, yall just don’t get it.

[@qwerttzizzi]

What movies are his high highs

[@dastardlywun]

The image of him skipping down the street after Bruce Willis told him he's got the juice is so wholesome and also so funny

[@JellythesmolFrog]

I don’t care about the flops. There’s not many directors around quite like him. I’ll watch anything he puts out. Cause when he hits he HITS. Keep making original stories please, we need it now more than ever.

[@o-wolf]

Even his losses are more interesting than some people's wins, After Earth with Will Smith was THIS close to being a classic and it's so WEIRD and offbeat it more fascinating to me than anything

[@earlofcheddar]

"Felt wrong not to swing."

[@PLana-9459]

Same here!

[@MyNameIsRow01]

@@o-wolf i think one of After Earth's biggest problems, is that it wasn't an M. Night Shyamalan movie, I didn't even know it was an M. Night Shyamalan movie until you just said it, I just thought it was some generic action movie directed by a no name, first time director

[@Mysteryz-li2pw]

I’ll never forget the absolute shock that hit me like a train when watching 6th sense

[@KoenBosman]

I love that after all these years he still won’t spoil the 6th sense!

[@saintjimmy456]

Not every movie is a winner, but M. Night is up there with the biggest risk takers when it comes to writer/directors in Hollywood, and he definitely deserves kudos for that.

[@spenser9908]

Literally only two of his movies are winners lol.

[@bayarea510]

@@spenser9908Hater

[@sircliffordmalcolmjac5870]

​@@spenser9908you seem insufferable bud!!

[@OGrogerthat1400]

@@spenser9908you must be a movie critic ? Or just another idiot on the internet 😂

[@connordavis8516]

@@spenser9908 I'd say 1

[@papito2lindo]

The only director that no matter what happened on the last film I will always watch the next.

[@autophagia2008]

"Noone will go see a movie about a comic book" is so wild to think now

[@TH3F4LC0Nx]

Dude's career has been a rollercoaster of quality, but Signs and Unbreakable are still two of the best movies of this century I think. Props to Shyamalan.

[@Vonlicktenstien]

I thought making split a sequel to unbreakable was genius

[@Diddy20022]

I agree. I feel his earlier movies are more higher quality and there has been a decline with the exception of Split. The Village imo is one of his best movies. The score alone is magnificent. I saw Trap the other day and I'm sorry its just a bad movie. Feel like he made it just to have his daughter sing and it was the worst part of the movie. However i am a BIG fan of M. Night Shyamalan.

[@TheKantrihai]

Unbreakable is masterpiece. Just brilliant.

[@Cheezpopcorn]

​@@TheKantrihai The score by James Newton Howard is the chefs kiss. Unbreakable is a masterpiece.

[@jj-if6it]

Sixth Sense was 1999

[@MrsPHoel]

Still blows my mind that McAvoy didn’t win an Oscar for Split. Absolutely criminal, IMO!

[@TomCat06]

Yeah i feel like had it been a straight drama about about multiple personalities and not supernatural of sorts, he definitely would have been nominated.

[@ririschannelx]

They don’t like genre films

[@Chrisratata]

If I can play devils advocate for a moment and shed some light on why, the way the directing/editing showcases his performance comes across a bit caricature-like moreso than character. Award shows have a tendency to like nuanced performances. A collection of isolated impressions, no matter how great and distinct those impressions are, isn't the same thing as playing a character with layers that responds to the complexities of the story and fellow characters more deeply. And no I'm not defending the countless nominations and wins for performances that weren't that great, just pointing out how I can see how someone could see his performance as just being a bunch of surface-level impressions..as opposed to really digging into any of those characters. And on some level, the screenplay maybe didn't give him but so much opportunity to do that. Al Pacino in The Godather 1 and 2, and Denzel Washington in Training Day would be examples of layered performances.

[@gideonMorrison]

Nah, dude is always overacting. Highly distractive.

[@Vonlicktenstien]

Agreed

[@clutchless_pilot]

The walking alien scene in signs will forever be a terrifying moment in movie history

[@churibman]

I love that they talked about it in the video. It's childhood trauma of most brazilian kids

[@Tezzinator]

As someone who gre up with Alien and similar movies, the scene in Signs is not scary at all. But to each their own.

[@sovereign3351]

I watched it in the theater and everyone jumped when that alien rounded that corner

[@the_white_al_borland]

⁠@@churibmanyou and @Tezzinator may disagree here, but you have the exact same pfp steelo

[@wizardweirdo]

Its classic. SIGNS and The Ring were my intro to horror.

[@dinsism]

6th Sense, Unbreakable and Signs- has to be one of the best 3 back to back movie runs ever!

[@kendalldewitt6255]

It’s almost unreal how that was so early in his career also.

[@ottomattix86]

Possibly!

[@Yoda_81843]

Look up this one director named Steven Spielberg. Then look up another director named James Cameron.

[@ottomattix86]

@@Yoda_81843 lmao Cameron had the abyss to break up any threepeat then threw out a mostly mediocre movies .after t2 before moving to avatar.

[@Yoda_81843]

@@ottomattix86 the Abyss is a masterpiece. The Terminator, Aliens, the Abyss, Terminator 2, True Lies, Titanic then Avatar. If you didn’t like the Abyss, that’s cool. I did.

[@lea-anne9133]

The one thing i love is, every actor who has worked with him praises him and says how munch they enjoyed being directed by him. Everyone genuinely respects & admires him & his process.

[@ebridgewater]

I saw The Sixth Sense at the cinema 11 days ago and it still hits today. It always will. The acting, the sound, the direction, the costume, the camera, the sets - everything. Perfect.

[@Chrisratata]

Those people that claim that it's only worth seeing twice are the type to strictly watch movies through the lens of plot. The strength of that film is the character dynamics and tactful control of atmosphere.

[@TwinRabbitMan]

It's great! But sadly, his only great movie IMO.

[@Gramercy_Stiffs]

I agree, I had a rewatch after a very long time and although I loved it the first time, I appreciated it even more the second, not so much for the twist but just the skill of storytelling. In my mind it is a perfect film.

[@dreworyan5652]

Tarantino & M. Night are the only two that I can think of that just say “f it. Whatever idea I have, we’re doing.” 😂

[@Charles12]

and also having bruce willis put them on equal levels of grandure. that's a true accomplishment.

[@churibman]

12:24 this MFer plot twisted the freaking studio that funded his movie. I love him.

[@SH7SH7SH7]

😂😂😂

[@zhannaaustria9169]

The greatest Twist Ever!!!😂

[@MeLikeBees]

if that's true - yes for sure.

[@o-wolf]

Considering how prickly studios can be about this stuff, that took Hella balls

[@jool4867]

What a twist!

[@LewinskyNails]

There should be more director breakdowns

[@benjaminblanchard-saiger2900]

Always have a soft spot for M Night. They aren’t all hits but they’re all him.

[@JeewanthaBandara]

Unbreakable remains the most unique superhero movie ever made. I also love how Shyamalan brings Philadelphia alive in his movie. A true hometown lad.

[@ladykix85]

I am an unapologetic M. Night fan, through all the hits and misses, I will always be watching!

[@shahartley]

The ending of "The Sixth Sense" remains one of the best twists I've seen to date. It was very well done.

[@davidmatheny1993]

I'm sure most knew he hit a rough patch with After Earth and The Last Airbender, but I didn't think he was actually at the point of having to personally fund a movie. It can be easy to pick on the low points in his movies, but I give him all the credit for trying to release original scripts in an era where we are addicted to sequels, reboots and turning books/manga/shows into movies

[@imamoviefanatic]

Large studio films are essentially directed by the Executive Producer today

[@Whitewolfen]

I enjoyed After Earth :3

[@VHS-CINEMA]

I always liked The Village although most hated it.

[@ilisafonua2798]

Me too

[@timcogan82]

Everyone has an M. Night movie that they love that everyone in their life hates. For me it’s Signs. Lol

[@MM-jc7uv]

The Village isn’t a bad movie, it’s just that it had so much potential but the direction he took the story was underwhelming.

[@ddh561]

Lady in the water was really bad( ..though I love almost all of his movies)

[@alexlazzerly3677]

@@timcogan82 everyone loves Signs

[@BigFrogg]

James Mcavoy defo should have won the Oscar for Split

[@jasoncraig3837]

I have a new found love for M. Night S. and his movies. Getting this background info and perspective has me wanting to go back and watch all of his movies again.

[@satevo462]

The Sixth Sense truly has one of the best twists of all time. Maybe it's because I was young, but I did not see it coming. And when it happened I was blown away. Instant classic.

[@alobo9937]

I've watched Signs an embarrassing amount of times. I'm grateful for that.

[@ekuche8335]

Absolutely an amazing movie.. incredible

[@ju1iaN36O]

One of my favorite movies.

[@treebles]

agreed! i can rewatch many, many times!

[@lidiacarr6945]

So glad I’m not the only one 😅❤️ and each watch I gain something new!

[@kristengoldsmith1074]

Watched it not along and it always makes me cry. Never fails.

[@uuiam]

People in the comments being like " why doesn't he talk about the bad ones he's done " as if that's not how this thing works with every guest they have. I'm pretty sure he's had plenty of feedback for The Last Airbender and other duds. Dude's made some incredible movies.

[@bayrojotube]

That's a three part series.

[@TheLowBrassDude]

In an interview he did recently he said that and After Earth are the two films he won't defend. Labeling it his "Hired gun" era.

[@EchoEcho-q4r]

It says ICONIC movies. Duds aren’t iconic.

[@uuiam]

@@EchoEcho-q4r But he is talking about his movies that are iconic?

[@21savage68]

He did talk about a bad one, Trap

[@kennytieshisshoes]

Trap is such a strong film and kept me captivated the entire time. I need to go back and watch a few of these.

[@drew311stylee]

This was a great video. One thing I always brag about M. Night Shyamalan is that he continues to be original. And we are in the age of post-originality in Hollywood.

[@eliasforge]

M Night Shyamalan's films have taste. Literally. After watching his films you feel what they taste like, not only on your tongue, but with almost all your senses. It's a truly unique experience, that no modern director can give you.

[@jpjordan90]

I also love his partnership with James Newton Howard, especially on Signs and The Village. Stunning music.

[@mattfisher6901]

The Village music is sensational. So beautiful and moving

[@lea-anne9133]

Beautiful scores & films

[@noahlewis6451]

Unbreakable is one of the best movies of the 2000’s. remarkable script, one of the best one shots of all time, the cinematography and shot composition was so tuned in. Unbreakable is easily my fav M Night picture

[@CharlieKling7]

I’m in my last few weeks of pregnancy so I’m on the couch most of my day, so I’ve been watching a lot of movies and many of them have been by him. His films are truly refreshing, especially the rewatches of Signs, Sixth Sense and Unbreakable.

[@SS4Luxray]

Easily the most underrated American director of the last 25 years. Whether u like his films or not, I always respect M. Night for giving us unique and original films every time.

[@waywardmind]

LOL

[@rawke7279]

Well said.

[@SS4Luxray]

@@waywardmind let me know when I told a joke

[@jj-if6it]

he can't be underrated when he mainly makes terrible movies

[@SS4Luxray]

@@jj-if6it terrible to you so begone

[@chrisa9834]

The one director to this day I can't wait to see what he does next. I love a filmmaker with original ideas and you have no idea what is coming next. I'm there day 1 regardless for an MNS joint.

[@cooperwolfe5478]

I’m the same way. I honestly was really disappointed with Trap but I’m always going to give him a chance. Unless he goes back to making movies like After Earth and Avatar.

[@Willy_Fisher]

@@cooperwolfe5478his next movie is another low-budget horror/thriller fortunately.

[@simonharknesstv]

I’m so pleased he spoke about The Visit, but I had no idea about the extremes he had to go to to get it made!

[@Bookmarkerer]

Saw “Unbreakable” (2000) when released in theatres, at the end of the movie I immediately stood up, applauded enthusiastically and started speaking in tongues (English, French, German, Spanish, Gibberish) using every word and phrase that captures the utter joy and love one has for the magic of cinema.

[@w1zent91]

Split and unbreakable are GOATED. M. Knight will forever have my respect.

[@djz771]

His tenacity and ability to make some absolute MASTERPIECES is true art and it’s been a delight to experience it

[@mindofmarlowe]

The breakfast table scene between father and son in Unbreakable wrecks me everytime. Such a nuanced, character driven moment that I constantly come back to. Thank you for that, Mr. Shyamalan.

[@lea-anne9133]

It's very intense

[@calebjeter6012]

The Sixth Sense, Signs, Unbreakable, & Split are some of my favorite films of all-time🔥

[@ekuche8335]

Split sucks

[@CJ.S-v3y]

@@ekuche8335you suck more

[@RoulinBrooks]

@@ekuche8335 And Unbreakable should be called Unwatchable.

[@jcp1984again]

Same. For me Shyamalan's best movies are among the best I've ever seen.

[@bencole4272]

Some misses yes, but this guy is a genius.

[@squarebarrel]

The Unbreakable trilogy is by far my favorite things he has made to date. I hope he somehow continues it. I hope Trap continues as well.

[@0725038]

Well, i guess i got spoiled.

[@Snipes-76]

Signs, Sixth Sense, Unbreakable, The Visit & The Happening are my personal M.Night favourites. Definitely one of the greatest to ever do it.

[@dtrmnts]

Somehow by the magic of the universe I rewatched Unbreakable a week before Split after not seeing it for years. Greatest cinema experience ever. "wait this isn't just a plot twist? its a genre twist?"

[@Christina-sn8oe]

Signs, The Village, and The Sixth Scene are bright! Some of my favorite movies of all times

[@gear5soul]

Original stories are hard to make. Granted, not everything M. Night makes is a masterpiece but he keeps going and that’s admirable.

[@armandodiaz4952]

This guy has created some of the best movies I have ever seen

[@beerserker]

and the worst

[@lamzy4683]

@@beerserkeryou’re definitely fun at parties

[@waywardmind]

And some of the worst ever made by a major studio.

[@kenneld]

you need to watch more movies friend

[@alexh8503]

@@kenneld this, i don't understand the people who get defensive of M Night saying his movies are some of the best ever lol

[@Nefville]

Split really is a masterpiece. Some of the best writing, acting and directing, its a true show of MNS's talent. I don't know how to explain it but it has a feel that's very unique. Definitely a favorite of mine, especially the end.

[@malex4321]

I had a mini freak out when the Unbreakable music started at the end of Split!!!! I shouted at my partner, we’re finally getting the trilogy!!! Such a brilliant twist!!!

[@Pictoru2]

To this day, M. Night made the BEST comic book movie. He fully encompassed the spirit of what comics are about, by not only taking us through an impeccable origin story for a hero, but also of a villain. Incredible story telling.

[@dhirshg]

Unbreakable; Signs; The Visit; Split...my personal favs!!! Honorable mentions: The Village and Lady in the Water.

[@robbygrafals8680]

love he listens to the peoples criticism and not the critics

[@mrrooster4876]

To this day Unbreakable is one of my favorite movies. I wanted a sequel for years.

[@REECEM92]

The Sixth Sense Signs Unbreakable The Visit Split Glass Knock at the Cabin Are my favourites he has made. Im seeing Trap this weekend.

[@qhousee17]

CANT FORGET DEVIL AND THE HAPPENING

[@jimmyispromo]

M Night is a true artist and genius in his own sense. Some say they are, but he doesn't have to say it. He shows it and has it

[@kristengoldsmith1074]

I think James McAvory should've won an Oscar for Spilt. He was brilliant playing 23+ personality's

[@CryoHunter00]

Signs and The Village hands down the best movies he’s made

[@das-9962]

Whenever M. Night makes a movie, the gods flip a coin

[@zotharr]

Im glad, he talked about "The Village" One of my fav movies, thank you :)

[@zotharr]

One sentence, though xD

[@redcomet0079]

That movie had the potential to be the scariest film ever made, but he messed up the ending

[@zotharr]

@@redcomet0079 Yes, he did mess up, but not the ending, the marketing :P

[@nicholassolis8763]

I LOVE THIS. Hearing someone like this break things down. Hearing what they were thinking. The mans one of the greatest

[@guitarcleveland]

'The Village' is easily my favorite movie of his. It figures they barely mentioned it here.

[@TomCat06]

Signs and Unbreakable are two of my all time favorites.

[@kichwa_tembo4314]

Unbreakable is still a top 10 comic film of all time.

[@witchingbrew3]

The sixth sense is literally one of the films you have to see when you get into cinema especially for honing in on late 90s era in cinema

[@jeremypr]

huge fan of M. Night, his storytelling is wonderful, a treat for cinema-goers. He has some very powerful scenes in movies, one of my favorites is Lady in the Water, and the cookbook scene. Powerful writing. I wish him nothing but more success in the future to come.

[@tomaskadlec9534]

Lady in the water's story feels ridiculously random. Like he was just making the scenes up on the spot with the crew without really bothering what they sound like. I love The Village so I was willing to give Lady in the Water some pacience but it's just so bad :D :D except for the music, the music is awesome, sounds a lot like Nightwish

[@anirudhmenon4234]

Unbreakable is probably in my top 5 films of all time. Absolute masterpiece.

[@sscamaro9144]

Truly a one of kind director, and a master of his craft! Love all of his films!

[@jomamasophat8973]

This is the first one of these director videos where I've seen every single one of these movies. Love this guy!

[@kanishkaveediyabandara3028]

It's about time. I missed this series. Keep 'em coming GQ!

[@gameofvelets6421]

most overhated person of all time and such a genius filmmaker

[@lea-anne9133]

Hated because he's original... and a genius😁

[@fgc_7433]

James was phenomenal in Split.

[@solisgloria74]

King of plot twist!!! Love all his movies. Even the "bad ones".

[@emjbelle]

Signs is the best!!! Love that Night continues to put out original ideas and lots of sci-fi/horror. Keep going! Always look forward to what’s next.

[@pjpajc]

The Village is one of my favorite movies of all time. It has a legendary cast, hauntingly gorgeous music, and a twisted plot. They marketed it as a scary movie which I think ultimately upset viewers because the point was that reality in and of itself is terrifying and it had nothing to do with the supernatural

[@josephthomaswhiting8417]

By far, my favorite of his. Performances, music, and cinematography are unreal.

[@Pachec088]

As a son of immigrants I absolutley love M Night and his films. Follow your dreams and stick to your guts! That's the message I got out of this interview 💪🏽

[@JM-ek3ey]

I always thought of him as a real artist. He puts out what he wants and doesn’t care if the general audience gets it or not because he knows someone will and that’s who the movie is for. I feel like he's who Tim Burton thinks he is to the industry.

[@benrosn8154]

M night Shyamalan is legitimately such a genius like I love him and his films. He’s a total artist I love what he does he’s totally the Hitchcock of today totally completely underrated honestly for the level of quality that he brings to his filmmaking.

[@andyvv7172]

There's a weird, special place in my heart for M. Night movies

[@mycuteb]

The visit is such an underrated gem. My favourite movie of his.

[@rainyladyGNR]

One of the best directors of our time.

[@natehadlock]

One of the greatest cinematic experiences of my life was the unbreakable reveal at the end split. It was a true surprise! And to be an unexpected sequel to a movie that I loved as a teenager was just a really incredible and fun feeling

[@shadowwound]

The village is amazing

[@mandelayforest2959]

Love it. Please!!!, don’t stop making these movies. I’ve seen Trap 4 times and have it DVR’d 4 times. You have your own folder.❤❤❤❤

[@Masta_Frog]

Unbreakable and the sixth sense give me chills every time I watch them.

[@MrPhbahia]

I could listen to him talk all day!

[@Cryptati0n]

I really liked his movie Devil. That’s very underrated

[@Shady00018]

The Visit is still one of my favorite films.

[@delilahpearce5992]

Truly a legendary director, creator, visionary, artist!!!

[@MrStjn]

M night has created some great movies. Yes he has some misses but he is such a creative force you have to allow for this. Unbreakable for me is a masterpiece. Shout out to mcavoys performance in split.

[@GGaemer]

the visit still creeps me out to this day haha

[@ytuseracct]

His films are so unique, but still consumable

[@RossFit]

I hope he makes hundreds of movies. I will go and watch anything he makes

[@NeverSaySandwich1]

This guys filmography is full of ups and downs, but its very nice to see a new movie of his pop up every few years. Signs and Unbreakable are especially really great movies

[@heartjakehotel9955]

He seems like such a nice guy

[@theghd2020]

My M Night top 3: 1. Sixth Sense 2. Unbreakable 3. Village

[@kingstonshacklebolt1431]

Signs was the best film to me after Sixth Sense

[@luiswagn3r]

Underated director. Deserves more credit and less memes.

[@kingchuckfinley]

I loved “the visit.” It was so much fun. Knowing how he made it makes it so much better.

[@sabrinaprice739]

Signs is one of my all time favorite movies. Brilliant acting the scene at the dinner table Mel Gibson crying and eating off of everyones plate and the scene of Joaquin Phoenix in the closet and swing away Merle. There are so many amazing scenes and brilliant directing for M. Night. Amazing movie. I also love The Village and 6th Sense was ahead of its time and still scares me and makes my hair stand up. Split is awesome too. Looking forward to Trap.