This snippet from a Mexican press conference to promote his latest movie The Last Airbender is fascinating. First, I'm not sure who the journalist who asked the question is, but she basically called him out on his latest projects being huge disappointments (Lady in the Water, The Village, The Happening) after impressing with Sixth Sense and Signs. This is a refreshing change, as many reporters toss softball questions and get boring, routine answers. Despite my feelings on his movies (a.k.a. I think this journalist is right on the money) and knowing that films are subjective to taste and everyone has their own opinions about them,
I don't know anyone who's enjoyed what Shyamalan has churned out lately, audiences and critics alike. The Last Airbender has grossed over $100 million in theaters, sure, but word of mouth was horrible and it received some of the worst reviews of his career. You'd think he'd fess up and admit he hasn't been at his creative best lately. But this guy thinks all of his movies are the cat's meow. In fact, he says in the above video he would "literally kill himself" if he thought along the same lines as the journalist. And with a straight face, discusses how movies like The Village and Lady in the Water (the two biggest pieces of sh*t he's made) are loved all over Europe.
My point of all this is that this is a classic case of an artist who has lost his way, who thinks he's above everyone and those that criticize just "don't get it". It's YOU pal that doesn't get it. I thought he hit home runs to kick start his career, but now he's grounding out and not even bothering to try finishing the run to first. It's sad to see, and I wonder if he'll ever be capable of reaching the levels he once did. In the mean time, I'm taking a pass whenever I see his name in the movie trailer.
# posted by SBP : 9:17 PM
