Unbreakable (2000)
Unbreakable" is a 2000 psychological thriller film written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan. The film is notable for its unusual perspective on the superhero genre, which examines the concept of real-life superheroes in a grounded and realistic manner. The cast includes Bruce Willis as David Dunn, Samuel L. Jackson as Elijah Price (Mr. Glass), and Robin Wright as Audrey Dunn.
The plot focuses around David Dunn, a security man who unexpectedly survives a train disaster without injury. This occurrence piques the interest of Elijah Price, a man suffering from a rare illness that renders his bones very weak. Elijah believes that there are people with amazing talents, such as superheroes, and regards David as someone with superhuman strength and invulnerability.
As David begins to realize his remarkable skills, he struggles with the prospect of being a real-life superhero. Elijah, on the other side, becomes preoccupied with finding someone on the opposite end of the spectrum, someone who is indestructible. The story progresses as David struggles to accept his newfound talents, Elijah seeks for his counterpart, and both characters collide, revealing their deeper links.
The film delves into themes of identity, fate, and the burden of power. David's path is about more than simply physical strength; it's about accepting responsibility for his ability. Shyamalan meticulously develops David's character, portraying him as a hesitant hero who must confront his own doubts and concerns.
Samuel L. Jackson's performance as Elijah Price, better known as Mr. Glass, is a highlight of the movie. Elijah, who suffers from a rare ailment that causes his bones become brittle, is a multifaceted character with his own point of view on the world. Jackson delivers a riveting blend of brilliance, energy, and tenderness to the part. Elijah's fixation with finding someone on the other end of the spectrum, someone unbreakable, propels the story onward.
The video also explores the use of comic books as a metaphor for real-life heroics. Elijah sees comic books as a representation of humanity's capacity for greatness, which influences the story's thematic undercurrents. Shyamalan employs the superhero genre as a tool to explore the human psyche, namely how people view themselves in the face of tragedy.
As the movie progresses, David Dunn becomes more aware of his talents, and he adopts the persona of a vigilante superhero, saving the innocent and upholding justice. Elijah's effect on David's path is revealed, culminating to a final confrontation that alters the protagonists' perception of their role in the world. The climax is a stressful and emotionally intense episode that reveals the scope of Elijah's manipulations and the actual nature of David's skills.
Finally, "Unbreakable" stands out as a unique entry in the superhero genre, providing a more cerebral and character-driven investigation of superpowers. M. Night Shyamalan's writing prowess, along with great performances from Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson, takes the film beyond the typical superhero plot.
RECAP OF UNBREAKABLE (2000)
CAST OF INBREAKABLE (2000)
Bruce Willis as David Dunn
Davis Duffield as 20-year-old David
Samuel L. Jackson as Elijah Price/Mr. Glass
Johnny Hiram Jamison as 13-year-old Elijah
Robin Wright as Audrey Dunn
Laura Regan as 20-year-old Audrey
Spencer Treat Clark as Joseph Dunn
Charlayne Woodard as Mrs. Price
Eamonn Walker as Dr. Mathison
Leslie Stefanson as Kelly
Bostin Christopher as Comic Book Clerk
Elizabeth Lawrence as School Nurse
James Handy as Priest
Chance Kelly as Orange Suit Man
Michael Kelly as Dr. Dubin
Joey Hazinsky as Five-Year-Old Boy/Kevin Wendell Crumb
Dianne Cotten Murphy as Woman Walking By/Penelope Crumb
Other Info
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Writer: M. Night Shyamalan
Release Date: November 22, 2000
Movie Genre: Drama - Mystery - Sci-fi
Country of Origin: United States
Filming Locations: Manayunk, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Production Companies: Touchstone Pictures - Blinding Edge Pictures - Barry Mendel Productions
Estimated Budget: $75,000,000
Runtime: 1 hour 46 minutes