In a series of escalating encounters, former security guard David Dunn uses his supernatural abilities to track Kevin Wendell Crumb, a disturbed man who has twenty-four personalities. Meanwhile, th...
Glass surprisingly does not shatter into tiny shards of stupidity. Well, this may just be one of the most conflicting films I've watched for quite some time. For everything Shyamalan executes correctly, he also manages to mess something up. Much like Glass himself, he has written an over-meticulous, overwrought and occasionally divisive story. And yet there I was, slowly perking up after slumping in my chair. It was happening. I unashamedly admitted to myself, I was actually enjoying a Shyamalan film. Not since 'Unbreakable' have I truly liked one of his films ('The Visit' has been his closest). Yet, including all of the problems this thriller has (and there are loads), I liked it. Set after 'Unbreakable' and 'Split', David is on the search for Kevin so that he can save some abducted girls. They both get caught by an organisation that deals with individuals deluding themselves with the thought that they are superheroes. And of course who is locked up with them? Elijah. "First name mister, last name Glass".
This concluding chapter of an unplanned trilogy attempts to incorporate elements from the surprise hit 'Split' and the cult classic 'Unbreakable', by merging the characters from the former with the latter and maintaining the genre deconstruction from the latter. And for the most part it works. Frustratingly I found 'Split' to be average, and because of its success Shyamalan focused much of the story on Kevin (or "The Horde" now) and left David completely underused and Elijah waiting on the sideline until the third act. For us 'Unbreakable' fans, that was an underwhelming move. Family members and previous victims questionably return for character development and backstory, which is not necessarily a negative but acts as one of the many plot conveniences scattered throughout. However, I cannot criticise the film. I just can't! No matter how ludicrous these conveniences were, no matter how absurd the "mastermind's" plan was, it all makes sense given the parameters that Shyamalan has set. You could simply say that every action that takes place is "all part of the plan", and you wouldn't be wrong. It is near impossible to criticise the plot. But then you go deeper than that. Bad dialogue? Just a construct of early superhero comic books. Cheesy reveals? Again, a typical narrative structure that many in the same genre utilise. Just got "Shyamalan'd (twice!)? "All part of the plan" I'm afraid. It's strangely clever, I mean is it an act of genius or just pure luck? Regardless, how far can we go to make comprises for this thriller? There is a underlying sense that something just isn't clicking together properly, and I think it's just down to the lack of balance.
McAvoy gives yet another excellent performance(s) with Shyamalan executing some nice one take shots to allow him to change personalities and show off his talent. I did find that "The Beast" was no longer menacing in comparison to 'Split', mostly because he had so much time in the spotlight. Jackson was good in yet another comic book film, although was overacting with his eyes (we get it, you're the villain). Willis was severely underused. Paulson was an enigma for me. Her character was so boring and clinical, yet I felt there was substance to her motives. The real star for me was Shyamalan who used his creativity to create some intriguing shots. Y'know some nice details like tilting the camera when in Elijah's brittle perspective. His acting though? Please stop. "Let the man walk, jeez!". The musical score was also noteworthy, accompanying some decent scenes of grandeur especially when David retrieves his rain poncho and wedding ring. Simple, but powerful.
The film could've concluded atleast three times, and Shyamalan did shoot himself in the foot occasionally. Divisive is an understatement, however I thought it was necessary. In the end, despite all the negatives, I kind of loved this? I mean I don't even know anymore! It's not the new 'Unbreakable' but it's a step up from 'Split'. I suspect the rating will change upon a rewatch.
