The Sixth Sense - Analysis

The title of the film

The title of the film Sixth Sense appears in an unpredictable way, as a viewer would expect the title would appear firstly, however it appears after a few tittles. It seems as though the title glimmers and then sinks away into the dark background. The text colour is an unpleasant blue which also could associate itself with an eerie, cold feeling.

How the setting / location is revealed

The setting of Sixth Sense is very obvious at the start of the film. It s set in a normal house with a basement. It has been cunningly created as we see the flint of the light bulb gradually getting brighter and we see a female character walk down the basement stairs to get a bottle of wine. The setting has been cleverly created as we are not immediately led into the storyline.

Costumes and props

The main props we visualise are wine bottles. The wine bottles are associated with celebration which is cleverly contrasted by the male who interrupts the two characters. The male character in his underwear is an unusual costume for most thrillers, yet the couple are wearing the average style of going out clothes.

Interesting camera work / editing

The director of the film Sixth Sense has worked extremely hard to refer to the composition of the shots. For example the rule of thirds has been used when the female character is in the basement selecting a bottle of wine. Also the flint in the light bulb is greatly thought-provoking as it is unusual for the opening shot to be of a light bulb getting brighter. An audience would be heavily pulled by this wonderful decision which engages us to believe there will be an emergent effect of continuous upbeat scenarios happening.

Story – and how the opening sets the story up

Like wise the story is set up by us visualising the male character breaking entry to the couple’s house. As an audience we are freaked out by this abnormal event. We feel bizarre towards this which makes the opening sequence have a decent appeal.

Genre (thriller) – and how the opening suggests it

The Sixth Sense opening sequence connotes it is a thriller by the shots of the smashed window on the floor. The camera almost follows the trail of the broken items. Not only does this construct suspense. But it kind of makes its viewers plan ahead of the film to what else is going to unfold. The smashed glass could also suggest that sharp and corrupt way the director has composed the opening sequence skilfully.

How any characters are introduced?

The characters are not all introduced properly however the main character which creates a shock is the one who breaks entry in to the house. Our first shot of him is in the bathroom where he looks extremely traumatised and hunted. As an audience we also feel for this character for the reason that he is in such a bad state and he is unclothed except from his underwear.

Any special effects or a particular shot you really like.

I personally like the shots of the male character exiting his house and walking down the street. Some of the time character is not visible to the viewer because he is walking past bushes. I like this shot because it also adds to the uncertainty of what exactly is going to happen. The greenery furthermore adds to our thoughts because the colour green is usually linked with peacefulness and we believe the character is on an important mission which is not so positive.