The Foundation: *Unbreakable*
Premise and Introduction
M. Night Shyamalan, a name synonymous with the unexpected, has carved a unique path in Hollywood. From the chilling suspense of *The Sixth Sense* to the unsettling thrills of *Signs*, Shyamalan has captivated audiences with his signature style: twist endings, atmospheric storytelling, and a deep dive into the human psyche. But beyond isolated successes, Shyamalan has woven a complex tapestry, a shared universe that connects seemingly disparate narratives. At the heart of this interconnected web lies the *Split Series*, a trilogy of films that deconstructs the superhero genre, explores the complexities of the human mind, and challenges our understanding of reality. This article delves into the intricate world of *M. Night Shyamalan movies Split Series*, examining the thematic connections, character development, and the director’s singular vision.
The seeds of the *Split Series* were sown in the year two thousand with *Unbreakable*. While seemingly a standalone superhero origin story, *Unbreakable* operates on a much deeper level. The film centers on David Dunn, a Philadelphia security guard who survives a horrific train crash, emerging unscathed. This extraordinary event leads Dunn to question his own mortality and, eventually, to discover he possesses superhuman abilities: immense strength, invulnerability, and the uncanny ability to sense the evil in others.
Themes and Archetypes
*Unbreakable* is more than just a superhero movie; it’s an exploration of the comic book archetype. It’s a deconstruction of the genre, treating the tropes of heroes and villains with a grounded realism. The film meticulously establishes the rules of this new reality, subtly hinting at the existence of a hidden world of enhanced individuals. The focus is on the journey of self-discovery, the internal struggle of a man coming to terms with his extraordinary capabilities.
Introducing Elijah Price
A key element of *Unbreakable* is the introduction of Elijah Price, a man with a rare genetic condition that causes his bones to break easily – he’s fragile, a walking embodiment of the opposite of Dunn’s strength. Price, obsessed with comic books and the notion of superheroes, becomes convinced that Dunn is one of them. He believes that the world is a carefully constructed balance, with heroes existing to counter villains. Price’s intellect and knowledge of comic book lore provide a crucial counterpoint to Dunn’s physical prowess, and their interactions form the heart of the narrative. *Unbreakable* establishes the core themes of the *Split Series*: identity, the duality of good and evil, and the hidden potential within the human spirit. The film also subtly sets the stage for the other two parts, with subtle nods to the nature of supervillainy.
The Centerpiece: *Split*
The Story of Kevin Wendell Crumb
Sixteen years later, Shyamalan unveiled *Split*, a film that initially seemed unconnected to *Unbreakable*, but would eventually shatter that perception. The film focuses on Kevin Wendell Crumb, a man suffering from Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). He has twenty-three distinct personalities living within him, each with its own unique traits, characteristics, and desires. The film centers around a group of teenage girls who are kidnapped and held captive by Kevin. As the girls try to survive, they are forced to confront the different personalities that control Kevin’s body, each with its own agenda and set of strengths and weaknesses.
Psychological Thriller
The genius of *Split* lies in its exploration of DID and the exploration of how the power of the mind can manifest in physical form. James McAvoy delivers a tour-de-force performance, seamlessly transitioning between the various personalities, creating a chilling and captivating depiction of psychological complexity. The film becomes a psychological thriller, exploring the theme of the human body’s potential under extreme trauma. Through Kevin’s different personalities, we see the lingering scars of abuse, the distorted perception of reality, and the fight for survival.
Casey Cooke and Trauma
Casey Cooke, one of the kidnapped girls, serves as a key counterpoint to Kevin. Through flashbacks, the audience learns about her own traumatic past, suggesting a deeper connection between her and Kevin. *Split* delves into the idea that trauma can both break and forge an individual, and that those who have experienced it, can become something beyond human.
The Beast Unleashed
The film reaches its climax with the emergence of “The Beast,” the twenty-fourth personality, a terrifying and superhuman entity with incredible strength, agility, and resistance to injury. The Beast embodies Kevin’s core trauma, a creature that believes that those who are pure, who haven’t suffered, must be eliminated.
The Twist and Connection
The ending of *Split* is the true masterstroke, a moment that changes everything. As Casey Cooke is being rescued, we get a glimpse of Bruce Willis reprising his role as David Dunn from *Unbreakable*. This cameo moment connected the film to *Unbreakable*, revealing *Split* not as a standalone narrative but as part of a larger, interconnected universe, laying the groundwork for a climactic finale.
The Culmination: *Glass*
The Setup
Released in two thousand nineteen, *Glass* brought the *Split Series* to a grand conclusion. The film brings together the three central figures: David Dunn, Kevin Crumb, and Elijah Price, now known as Mr. Glass. The story places all three men in a mental institution under the care of Dr. Ellie Staple, a psychiatrist specializing in patients who believe they are superheroes. She attempts to convince them that their perceived powers are delusions.
Character Dynamics
*Glass* is a character-driven narrative, exploring the dynamics between Dunn, Crumb, and Price. Dunn seeks to understand and combat Kevin’s Beast personality. Mr. Glass, now more cunning and manipulative than ever, plots to orchestrate a confrontation that will reveal the truth about their powers to the world.
Themes and Ideologies
The film delves into the consequences of extraordinary abilities and the ethical implications of such powers. The core of the story focuses on a battle of ideologies: Dunn, the reluctant hero; Kevin, the brutal embodiment of trauma; and Price, the brilliant strategist who believes in the inherent balance of good and evil.
Twists and Turns
The film’s twists and turns continue the director’s signature style, keeping the audience guessing. The climactic battle between the three, and their respective powers, is revealed to have been an orchestrated manipulation by a hidden organization. This group is revealed to be a secret society working to suppress those with extraordinary abilities. This twist highlights the film’s thematic examination of power, control, and the importance of recognizing one’s true potential. The ending, a culmination of all that had come before, provides a satisfying closure to the *Split Series*.
Thematic Connections and Underlying Narrative
Superhero Archetypes
The three films in the *Split Series* are bound together not only by their characters and their shared universe but also by the consistent exploration of profound themes.
The concept of the superhero archetype is constantly deconstructed and re-examined throughout the series. The traditional superhero tropes are inverted, revealing the complexities and moral ambiguities inherent in power. The characters aren’t necessarily motivated by a sense of justice, but by internal struggles, personal trauma, and the fundamental nature of their beings.
The Power of Belief
Belief plays a crucial role in the *Split Series*. David Dunn’s powers are strengthened by his faith in his abilities. Kevin’s many personalities and the manifestation of The Beast are made real by his unwavering belief in their power. The series suggests that the power of belief can be transformative, able to shape reality and to bring the impossible into being.
Trauma’s Influence
Trauma is a central theme, driving the actions and personalities of several characters. Kevin’s DID is directly linked to the abuse he suffered as a child. Casey Cooke’s experiences with trauma also inform her actions and provide insight to the larger narrative. The *Split Series* examines how trauma can fundamentally shape an individual, leading them down a path of destruction or of discovery.
Shyamalan’s Style
M. Night Shyamalan’s distinctive style is readily apparent throughout the series. His use of visual storytelling, his deliberate pacing, his preference for suspense over jump scares, and his masterful use of plot twists are all signature elements of his approach. He uses these tools to create an atmosphere of unease, to challenge the audience’s expectations, and to keep them invested in the narrative.
Critical Reception and Legacy
Reviews
The *Split Series* has been received with mixed reactions from critics, but has generally been a commercial success. While some critics found *Glass* to be a disappointing conclusion, others praised Shyamalan’s ambition and his commitment to his vision. The series has also generated a devoted fan base, who appreciate the intricate storytelling, the character development, and the director’s distinctive style.
Influence
The impact of the *Split Series* on the superhero genre is clear. Shyamalan’s grounded, realistic, and psychological approach to superheroes has influenced other filmmakers. By focusing on the inner lives and emotional journeys of the characters, he has offered a fresh perspective on a genre that often prioritizes spectacle.
Shyamalan’s Vision
Shyamalan’s unique vision as a filmmaker shines throughout the *Split Series*. He seamlessly weaves together disparate elements, creating a complex and thought-provoking narrative that challenges the audience to think about the nature of good and evil, the power of the human mind, and the possibilities that lie beyond the ordinary.
Conclusion
The *Split Series* is a fascinating exploration of the superhero genre and the human condition. Through its interconnected narratives, complex characters, and thematic depth, the trilogy challenges the viewer to re-evaluate preconceived notions about heroism, villainy, and the very nature of reality. The series’ enduring appeal lies in its ability to provoke thought, spark discussion, and stay with the viewer long after the credits roll. Shyamalan’s commitment to his unique storytelling and his unwavering exploration of the human psyche solidify the *Split Series* as a landmark of modern cinema. The trilogy is a testament to the director’s creative vision, a mind-bending journey into a world where the extraordinary exists, hidden just beneath the surface.
