M. Night Shyamalan, renowned for his unique brand of storytelling and signature twist endings, owes much of his cinematic approach to the legendary Alfred Hitchcock. Often referred to as the ‘Master of Suspense,’ Hitchcock’s influence permeates Shyamalan’s films, particularly in terms of suspense-building techniques and narrative structure. Let’s delve into how Shyamalan has adopted and adapted Hitchcock’s methods to craft his own distinctive style.
Building Suspense: The Hitchcockian Touch
Hitchcock’s ability to create suspense through careful pacing and meticulous detail is legendary. His films often placed ordinary characters in extraordinary situations, escalating tension through what he famously termed the “bomb under the table” scenario—where the audience is aware of the danger that the characters are oblivious to. Shyamalan has echoed this approach in many of his films, utilizing suspense to engage audiences deeply.
In ‘Signs’ (2002), Shyamalan masterfully builds tension through the slow reveal of extraterrestrial threats. Much like Hitchcock’s ‘Psycho’ (1960), where the suspense is drawn out through Norman Bates’ peculiar behaviour and the ominous setting of the Bates Motel, ‘Signs’ uses the isolated farmhouse and unseen aliens to keep viewers on edge. The suspense is heightened by Shyamalan’s use of visual and auditory cues, such as the eerie crop circles and unsettling noises, much in the way Hitchcock would employ a creaking door or an ominous shadow.
Narrative Structure: Twists and Turns
Hitchcock was a pioneer of the twist ending, a narrative device that Shyamalan has become synonymous with. Hitchcock’s ‘Vertigo’ (1958) is a prime example, where the revelation of Judy’s true identity re-contextualizes the entire story. Shyamalan’s breakthrough film, ‘The Sixth Sense’ (1999), features a similarly shocking twist that changes the viewer’s perception of the entire narrative. This structural device keeps audiences engaged and encourages multiple viewings to catch the subtle hints leading up to the revelation.
Shyamalan’s ‘The Village’ (2004) also showcases a Hitchcockian twist. The film, initially perceived as a historical drama set in a 19th-century village, reveals a modern-day setting, turning the narrative on its head. This twist echoes Hitchcock’s manipulation of audience expectations, seen in ‘North by Northwest’ (1959), where Cary Grant’s character is embroiled in a case of mistaken identity, leading to unexpected developments.
Visual Storytelling: Silent Suspense
Hitchcock’s visual storytelling—using the camera to convey emotion and build tension without dialogue—is another hallmark that Shyamalan has embraced. Hitchcock’s ‘Rear Window’ (1954) relies heavily on visual cues as James Stewart’s character observes suspicious activities from his apartment. Similarly, in ‘The Sixth Sense’, Shyamalan uses visual motifs, like the colour red, to signify the presence of the supernatural, allowing the audience to piece together the story visually.
In ‘Signs’, Shyamalan employs long takes and minimal cuts, reminiscent of Hitchcock’s ‘Rope’ (1948), to maintain a continuous sense of dread. The use of reflections, shadows, and tight framing in Shyamalan’s films are direct nods to Hitchcock’s techniques, creating a visual language that conveys suspense without the need for explanatory dialogue.
Character-Centric Thrills
Both directors place ordinary characters at the center of extraordinary circumstances, making their experiences relatable yet terrifying. Hitchcock’s ‘The Birds’ (1963) features everyday people dealing with inexplicable bird attacks, emphasizing their vulnerability. Shyamalan’s ‘Unbreakable’ (2000) explores the life of an ordinary man discovering his extraordinary abilities, grounding the supernatural in a realistic setting.
In ‘Split’ (2016), M. Night Shyamalan delves into the psychological horror of a man with dissociative identity disorder. This focus on character psychology, much like Hitchcock’s ‘Psycho’, drives the narrative and keeps the audience invested in the character’s fate.
His filmmaking is deeply rooted in the principles established by Alfred Hitchcock. Through meticulous suspense-building, narrative twists, visual storytelling, and character-centric plots, Shyamalan has crafted a cinematic style that pays homage to Hitchcock while establishing his own unique voice. By studying Hitchcock’s techniques and adapting them to contemporary storytelling, Shyamalan continues to captivate audiences and maintain the legacy of suspenseful, narrative-driven cinema.
Also Read: ‘Notorious’: This Classic Thriller Landed Alfred Hitchcock on The FBI’s Watchlist
–Silviya.Y