M. Night Shyamalan’s trilogy consisting of Unbreakable (2000), Split (2016), and Glass (2019) stands out as a unique, introspective take on the superhero genre. M. Night Shyamalan’s Unbreakable, Split, and Glass are not your typical superhero films. Discover how Unbreakable introduced a reluctant hero, how Split shocked us with its unexpected connection to the superhero world, and how Glass brought it all together in a tense, thrilling conclusion. Join us as we break down the genius behind Shyamalan’s trilogy and uncover the deeper themes within these films. Subscribe for more deep dives into cinematic universes and film breakdowns!

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Shyamalan’s films, rooted in psychological depth and character-driven narratives, offer a grounded and thought-provoking exploration of what it means to be a hero or a villain.

 

 

Chapter 1: Unbreakable – The Origin of Real-World Superheroes

“Unbreakable” introduces us to David Dunn (Bruce Willis), a security guard who discovers his extraordinary abilities after being the sole survivor of a devastating train crash. His journey of self-discovery is guided by Elijah Price (Samuel L. Jackson), a comic book art dealer with brittle bone disease, who believes that comic books are an exaggerated reflection of reality. As David comes to terms with his powers, he realizes his true potential and purpose, ultimately confronting the darker aspects of Elijah’s theories.

“Unbreakable” delves deeply into themes of identity, destiny, and the nature of heroism. The film’s muted color palette and realistic setting contrast sharply with the vibrant, fantastical world of traditional superhero movies. This choice underscores the film’s exploration of the superhero mythos through a more grounded, human lens.

David’s journey is one of self-discovery, where he grapples with his sense of purpose and identity. His gradual realization of his abilities mirrors the universal quest for self-understanding and acceptance.

Elijah’s belief in destiny is a driving force in the narrative. His conviction that David is a real-life superhero contrasts with David’s initial skepticism, creating a dynamic tension that propels the story forward.

The film explores the duality of human nature through its protagonists. Elijah’s turn as the antagonist reveals the complexities of good and evil, suggesting that they are not always clear-cut and can be intertwined.

Characters

David Dunn: A man of few words, David embodies the everyman hero. His physical strength and invulnerability are juxtaposed with his emotional vulnerability, particularly in his strained relationship with his wife, Audrey (Robin Wright). David’s journey from self-doubt to acceptance of his role as a protector is both compelling and relatable.

Elijah Price (Mr. Glass): Elijah’s fragile physical condition contrasts with his sharp intellect and strong will. His obsession with finding a real-life superhero leads him down a dark path, ultimately revealing his own role as a villain. Elijah’s character challenges the notion of physical strength as the only marker of power.

 

Shyamalan employs a range of cinematic techniques to enhance the storytelling in “Unbreakable.” The use of long takes and minimalistic dialogue emphasizes the film’s introspective nature. The recurring use of reflective surfaces, such as mirrors and glass, symbolizes the characters’ introspective journeys and the theme of duality.

Chapter 2: Split – The Horror of the Supernatural

“Split” shifts the focus to Kevin Wendell Crumb (James McAvoy), a man suffering from Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) with 24 distinct personalities. The dominant, malevolent personality known as “The Beast” emerges, kidnapping three teenage girls. The film follows their attempts to escape while exploring Kevin’s fractured psyche. Ultimately, “Split” reveals itself to be part of the “Unbreakable” universe, setting the stage for the trilogy’s culmination.

“Split” blends horror and psychological thriller elements to explore themes of trauma, survival, and the nature of identity. The film delves into the effects of trauma on the human psyche. Both Kevin and Casey Cooke (Anya Taylor-Joy), one of the kidnapped girls, have endured significant trauma, shaping their respective paths. Casey’s resilience contrasts with Kevin’s fragmentation, highlighting different responses to suffering. Kevin’s DID serves as a metaphor for the multiplicity of identity. The distinct personalities, or “alters,” each with unique traits and abilities, challenge the notion of a singular self. The emergence of “The Beast” represents the potential for extraordinary transformation. The struggle for control between Kevin’s personalities reflects broader themes of power dynamics. The film examines the balance of power within the self and in interpersonal relationships, particularly through the captor-victim dynamic.

 

Characters

Kevin Wendell Crumb / The Horde:  James McAvoy’s portrayal of Kevin and his multiple personalities is a tour de force. Each alter, from the meticulous Dennis to the childlike Hedwig, is distinct, showcasing McAvoy’s range. “The Beast” embodies the culmination of Kevin’s trauma and the extreme manifestation of his powers.

Casey Cooke: Casey’s backstory of abuse and her resourcefulness in the face of danger make her a compelling character. Her ability to connect with Kevin’s alters and her ultimate survival underscore her resilience and strength.

Shyamalan uses tight framing and claustrophobic settings to heighten the sense of tension and confinement in “Split.” The use of color and lighting differentiates between Kevin’s alters, adding visual cues to their distinct identities. The film’s score, composed by West Dylan Thordson, enhances the eerie, suspenseful atmosphere.

Chapter 3: Glass – The Collision of Realities

“Glass” brings together the characters from “Unbreakable” and “Split,” culminating in a confrontation that challenges their understanding of reality and their roles as superheroes and villains. David Dunn, now operating as the vigilante “The Overseer,” tracks down Kevin, leading to their capture and confinement in a psychiatric facility alongside Elijah Price. Dr. Ellie Staple (Sarah Paulson) attempts to convince them that their abilities are delusions, but Elijah orchestrates an escape plan to prove their powers to the world.

“Glass” explores themes of belief, reality, and the nature of power, continuing the introspective approach of its predecessors. The film questions the nature of belief and its power to shape reality. Dr. Staple’s attempts to debunk the characters’ abilities highlight the tension between skepticism and faith in one’s identity and potential. Each character grapples with their legacy and the impact of their actions. Elijah’s desire for recognition, David’s sense of duty, and Kevin’s struggle for control reflect broader questions of purpose and legacy. The film examines the interplay between power and vulnerability, both physical and psychological. The characters’ abilities are juxtaposed with their emotional and mental struggles, emphasizing the complexity of true strength.

 

Characters

David Dunn (The Overseer): David’s evolution from reluctant hero to vigilante protector is central to the narrative. His unwavering moral compass and commitment to justice contrast with the more ambiguous motivations of the other characters.

Elijah Price (Mr. Glass): Elijah’s mastermind role reaches its zenith in “Glass.” His manipulation of events to reveal the existence of superhumans highlights his cunning intelligence and deep-seated need for validation.

Kevin Wendell Crumb / The Horde: Kevin’s continued struggle for control and the emergence of “The Beast” underscore his inner turmoil. His interactions with Casey and the other characters reveal the complexity of his condition.

Dr. Ellie Staple: Dr. Staple serves as a foil to the superhuman characters, representing institutional skepticism and the power of societal norms. Her role adds a layer of psychological intrigue to the narrative.

“Glass” employs a range of visual and auditory techniques to enhance the storytelling. The use of color symbolism, particularly in the costumes and lighting, differentiates the characters and their arcs. Shyamalan’s signature use of reflective surfaces and mirrors continues, emphasizing themes of duality and self-perception. The film’s pacing and structure build towards a climactic showdown, with the score heightening the tension and drama.

 

Thematic Analysis Across the Trilogy

Shyamalan’s trilogy is distinguished by its blending of realistic settings with fantastical elements. This approach grounds the superhero narrative in a relatable context, making the characters’ struggles and triumphs more impactful.

The films emphasize the real-world consequences of superhuman abilities, from David’s strained relationships to Kevin’s psychological fragmentation. This focus on realism challenges the often idealized portrayal of superheroes in mainstream media.

The trilogy explores what it means to be a hero through its complex characters. Heroism is depicted as a multifaceted concept, encompassing physical strength, moral courage, and psychological resilience.

The characters’ moral ambiguity adds depth to the exploration of heroism. Elijah’s villainy, motivated by a desire for purpose, and Kevin’s struggle against his darker personalities highlight the gray areas of good and evil.

The psychological depth of the characters is a hallmark of the trilogy. Shyamalan delves into their inner lives, exploring the impact of trauma, identity, and belief on their actions and choices.

The focus on character development and psychological complexity sets the trilogy apart from more action-driven superhero films. This introspective approach creates a richer, more nuanced narrative.

Critical and Audience Reception

“Unbreakable” received mixed to positive reviews upon its release, with praise for its originality and depth. Over time, it has garnered a cult following and is now considered a precursor to the current wave of superhero films. Critics highlighted the film’s unique take on the superhero genre, its strong performances, and its thoughtful exploration of themes. While some audiences found the film’s pacing slow, many appreciated its introspective approach and psychological depth.

“Split” was met with generally positive reviews, particularly for James McAvoy’s performance. The film’s twist ending, revealing its connection to “Unbreakable,” was widely acclaimed. McAvoy’s portrayal of multiple personalities was lauded as a standout performance. The film’s suspenseful narrative and psychological complexity were also praised. Audiences responded positively to the film’s tension and horror elements, as well as its surprising connection to “Unbreakable.”

“Glass” received a more mixed reception, with some critics praising its ambition and performances, while others found its narrative and pacing uneven. The film’s ambition in merging the storylines of “Unbreakable” and “Split” was acknowledged, though some critics felt it fell short of expectations. Performances, particularly by McAvoy, Jackson, and Willis, were highlighted. Audience reactions were divided, with some appreciating the conclusion of the trilogy and others feeling it did not fully deliver on its promise.

 

Shyamalan’s Vision and Legacy

M. Night Shyamalan’s distinct directorial style and vision are evident throughout the trilogy. His focus on character-driven stories, psychological depth, and thematic exploration sets his work apart in the superhero genre. Shyamalan’s use of long takes, reflective surfaces, and muted color palettes create a distinctive visual style. His emphasis on narrative twists and psychological complexity enhances the storytelling. Shyamalan’s trilogy offers a unique contribution to the superhero genre, emphasizing realism, psychological depth, and moral ambiguity. By grounding his stories in reality and focusing on the psychological aspects of heroism, Shyamalan subverts traditional superhero tropes. His films challenge audiences to rethink their perceptions of heroes and villains. The trilogy’s impact on the superhero genre and its place within Shyamalan’s filmography are significant. It has inspired a more introspective approach to superhero storytelling and highlighted the potential for depth and complexity within the genre. Over time, the trilogy has developed a dedicated fanbase, with “Unbreakable” in particular being re-evaluated as a groundbreaking film in the superhero genre. Shyamalan’s approach to blending realism with fantastical elements has influenced other filmmakers, encouraging more nuanced and character-driven superhero narratives.

 

M. Night Shyamalan’s trilogy of “Unbreakable,” “Split,” and “Glass” offers a compelling, introspective take on the superhero genre. By focusing on psychological depth, moral ambiguity, and the interplay between realism and fantasy, Shyamalan creates a unique narrative that challenges traditional perceptions of heroism and villainy. The trilogy’s legacy lies in its ability to blend grounded storytelling with the mythic elements of superhero tales, providing a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant experience for audiences. As superhero films continue to dominate the cinematic landscape, Shyamalan’s work stands as a testament to the power of character-driven storytelling and the enduring appeal of exploring the human condition through the lens of extraordinary abilities.