Podcast Summary: The Rewatchables - ‘The Sixth Sense’ with Sean Fennessey, Chris Ryan, and Jason Concepcion
Released on September 10, 2024, “The Rewatchables” podcast from The Ringer delves into movies that captivate audiences enough to warrant multiple viewings. In this episode, hosts Bill Simmons, Sean Fennessey, and Jason Concepcion dissect the 1999 thriller “The Sixth Sense,” exploring its enduring impact, storytelling mechanics, and the careers it influenced.
1. Personal Experiences and Initial Reactions
Jason Concepcion shares his personal connection to the film, highlighting it as a top three theater experience. Working at movie theaters during its release, he recalls viewing the film without any prior knowledge and being profoundly affected by its emotional depth and shocking twist.
“I was waylaid by it.” [06:16]
Sean Fennessey discusses his first viewing in 1999, amidst a stellar year for cinema with releases like "The Matrix" and "Fight Club." He emphasizes the film’s role in showcasing Philadelphia’s character, noting its rich setting and Bruce Willis's evolving career.
“...it was inconceivable to go to a bar or go up to a dude and be like, guess what happens at the end of this movie.” [07:20]
Bill Simmons admits missing the theatrical release due to commitments but reflects on how spoilers, particularly from media personalities like Frank DiGiacomo on The Daily Show, tainted his initial understanding of the film.
“Frank DiGiacomo... spoiled that Bruce Willis was dead.” [09:28]
2. The Twist Ending and Storytelling Mechanics
The trio delves deep into the film's renowned twist ending, comparing it to a meticulously crafted magic trick. Sean Fennessey draws parallels between the movie’s structure and classic magic performances, praising its seamless execution.
“It's such a perfect... magic trick.” [12:30]
Jason Concepcion echoes this sentiment, appreciating how the film plants subtle hints that only become apparent upon rewatching, enhancing its rewatchability.
“...it's still a remarkable movie.” [73:15]
Bill Simmons reflects on the effectiveness of the twist, noting how it redefines the viewing experience and underscores the film's clever construction.
“But it radically alters how you experience it.” [72:33]
3. Impact on M. Night Shyamalan’s Career
Bill Simmons traces Shyamalan’s career trajectory, highlighting “The Sixth Sense” as his breakthrough film. He outlines Shyamalan’s early works and subsequent projects, acknowledging both his successes and missteps.
“It's a unique and weird career.” [36:17]
Jason Concepcion provides a critical overview of Shyamalan’s filmography post-“The Sixth Sense,” praising films like "Unbreakable" and "Signs" while critiquing others like "The Village" and "Lady in the Water."
“I was almost offended by that movie.” [37:12]
The discussion emphasizes Shyamalan’s resilience and ability to reinvent himself, particularly through collaborations with production companies like Blumhouse.
“...he has figured out something... that will allow him to continue to be successful.” [73:37]
4. Casting Choices and Performances
Haley Joel Osment’s performance as Cole Sear is lauded as a pivotal element of the film’s success. The hosts commend his emotional depth and ability to convey complex feelings at a young age.
“He just crushes it and gives you a range of emotions.” [29:37]
Toni Collette is recognized for her powerful portrayal of Cole’s mother, Lynne Cyr. Her only Oscar nomination, Collette’s performance remains a standout aspect of the film.
“She's just an amazing actress.” [33:26]
Bruce Willis’ portrayal of Dr. Malcolm Crowe is scrutinized, with critiques on his convincingness as a child psychologist and the subtle cues of his character’s true state.
“This is definitely a global smash.” [11:32]
Donny Wahlberg receives mixed reviews. While his transformation for the role is acknowledged, his limited screen time and performance are critiqued.
“This is the sound of your ride.” [65:22]
5. Technical Aspects and Cinematography
Tak Fujimoto’s cinematography is praised for enhancing the film’s eerie atmosphere. The use of color, particularly red, is highlighted as a significant storytelling tool.
“The use of red is a huge thing.” [46:32]
The hosts discuss the meticulous staging of scenes, such as the iconic kitchen drawer sequence and the locked crawl space, which effectively build suspense and foreshadow the twist.
“It’s such an amazing jump scare.” [21:07]
6. Rewatchability and Lasting Appeal
The panel debates the film’s status as a rewatchable classic. While Jason Concepcion finds value in dissecting the narrative structure and emotional moments upon subsequent viewings, Sean Fennessey questions its emotional resonance compared to other rewatchable films.
“From a structural standpoint, it's just really interesting...” [71:15]
Bill Simmons concurs, noting that even knowing the twist can offer a different but still engaging experience.
“I was entertained but not emotionally involved.” [71:01]
7. Critiques and Nitpicks
Issues such as continuity errors, implausible plot developments, and character inconsistencies are addressed. For instance, the logistics of Cole bringing a VHS tape to his father’s funeral and the absence of thorough police investigation are highlighted as narrative flaws.
“No extensive police interview... wild.” [67:02]
The hosts also point out minor errors, like discrepancies in facial expressions during emotional scenes, which detract from the film’s overall polish.
“When Cole turns away, his face is dry with no trace of a tear.” [68:58]
8. Cultural and Industry Impact
“The Sixth Sense” is contextualized within the landscape of late 90s cinema, alongside films like "The Usual Suspects," "Fight Club," and "Scream." Its success is attributed to its unique approach to storytelling and the emergence of twist-heavy narratives.
“It's a case for Haley Joel, who obviously has revived his career...” [73:21]
The discussion also touches on the evolution of sleeper hits, with the hosts noting the shift from theatrical long-tail success to instant digital phenomena.
“There's no long tail anymore.” [74:34]
9. Memorable Quotes and Scenes
Key dialogues and their significance are explored, with "I see dead people" identified as the film’s most iconic line. The emotional climaxes, particularly the car conversation between Cole and his mother, are lauded for their depth and execution.
“I see dead people. Could this work as a 10 episode Netflix show in 2019?” [69:48]
Jason Concepcion appreciates how rewatching the film unveils the intricacies of its dialogue and scene construction.
“It's still a remarkable movie.” [71:15]
10. Final Thoughts and Conclusions
The episode concludes with reflections on the nostalgic value of revisiting “The Sixth Sense” and its place in the pantheon of rewatchable films. The hosts acknowledge both its strengths and shortcomings, ultimately affirming its significance in film history.
Sean Fennessey expresses nostalgia for the era of its release, noting how cultural interactions with pop culture have evolved since then.
“...it really was a different time.” [75:26]
Jason Concepcion emphasizes the film’s structural brilliance, while Bill Simmons appreciates its emotional depth gained through multiple viewings.
“It holds up really well.” [29:36]
Notable Quotes
- Jason Concepcion [06:16]: “...spoiler we discover that Dr. Malcolm Crowe was actually dead the whole time I was waylaid by it.”
- Sean Fennessey [12:30]: “It's such a perfect... magic trick.”
- Bill Simmons [27:20]: “The sixth sense is a fantastic example of how a twist can redefine the entire narrative.”
- Jason Concepcion [71:42]: “...from a structural standpoint, it's just really interesting to see how right in front of you the tells are.”
- Sean Fennessey [75:26]: “It really, really was a different time.”
Conclusion
“The Sixth Sense” episode of “The Rewatchables” provides an in-depth analysis of one of cinema’s most talked-about thrillers. Through personal anecdotes, critical examination, and thoughtful discussion, the hosts illuminate both the film’s enduring allure and its complex legacy within the industry. Whether revisiting the emotional highs or scrutinizing its narrative flaws, the episode offers valuable insights for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.