Chud.com on M. Night’s Acting

The movie was kind of fun despite and because of its wacky little universe of intentionally one-dimensional characters. I guess if I had eaten some popcorn [which makes me ill] I may have just hated on the flick but it was a fun experience. It’s better than The Village, that’s for sure. But the thing I was surprised about, the most eye-opening thing was how much I disagree with the people who have lambasted M. Night for not only his decision to act in the film but for his performance.

He’s terrific. He has a real charisma and warmth onscreen that I think no one gives him credit for. Scarily enough, I almost liked him more than my beloved Paul Giamatti because M. Night the writer unloaded on his star that most unkind quirk that rarely works onscreen: The Stutter. I think Brad Dourif’s the last person who pulled it off well and that was in the 1970’s. Without the stutter, Giamatti does fine, though he’s saddled with the lion’s share of Narf-tastic dialogue. Shyamalan’s very natural onscreen, showing little playful bits of humor and a real soul in his role as a writer whose work will garner the most harsh criticism of all. I really like him as an actor, and I guess he’s had his share of chances as he’s the star of every one of his childhood films he’s included on his DVD releases.

So, while I know that Lady in the Water is a guilty pleasure and a total [tease] in how much of Bryce Dallas Howard is just outside the frame for half the film, it gave me a realization: I want to see more of this guy. Call it his ego writing checks his talent can’t cash if you will, but I endorse his decision. There’s a lot of good directors who also act in their films. Doesn’t bother me a bit. In fact, if M. Night’s films get smaller and smaller as the box office receipts do, I’d suggest he cut costs by starring in the damn things. As much as I think he has gleaned the best performance of Bruce Willis’ career (Unbreakable) and one of Mel Gibson’s best (Signs), I’m all for him doing it himself. He’s a good looking guy. He’s a talented guy. I don’t see the problem.

Unless he’s serious about casting Kevin Costner. I want Costner to be huge again, but that selfish motive aside, I say bring on ol’ M. Night.

[Read the rest at Chud.com]

2 Comments

  1. You know, I wouldn't mind it in the least if Night took the lead role in his own film. I think he's a real good actor.

  2. 🙂
    Night is an amazing actor! He brought so much emotion to the screen! Night should definitely start starring in his own films – besides he's one hot cookie!

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