M. Night Shyamalan is a rare director known for his unique story structure. The director’s films have become known for the ‘big twists’ that change the trajectory of the narratives. Films like The Sixth Sense, Signs, The Village, Unbreakable, The Visit, etc. are examples of Shyamalan’s great works, and many scenes from these films have become iconic in pop culture.
Shyamalan’s The Sixth Sense arguably remains the most celebrated work in his career, featuring one of the greatest movie twists. Rapper Kendrick Lamar referenced the film in one of his songs, which surprised the director. Shyamalan got to talk about the callback to his beloved film in a recent interview.
M. Night Shyamalan Was Not Informed Of Kendrick Lamar’s Callback to The Sixth Sense
M. Night Shyamalan’s psychological thriller The Sixth Sense became the director’s breakout film which made him a bonafide filmmaker. The film chronicled the relationship between Malcolm and Cole, played by Bruce Willis and Haley Joel Osment. The film had the famous line by Osment where Cole says “I see dead people” to Malcolm, leading to one of the film’s big twists.
The line made its unexpected entry in Kendrick Lamar‘s most recent diss track Not Like Us. Shyamalan made an appearance on the Way Up podcast, where he was asked about whether he was aware of the reference before the song’s release. Shyamalan admitted that he was not informed about it and was quite surprised when he heard his movie’s line in Lamar’s song.
The director further stated that Lamar was very gracious with him about the use of his iconic line and praised the rapper’s approach to music, which he believes comes from the right place. Shyamalan said (via X),
We do kind of likely know each other. He was very gracious with me. I love him. And speaking of integrity…my kid won’t even recommend music, they know what I’m gonna say, it can be any form of music, it has to be from the right place, and Kendrick comes from the right place.
Film director M. Night Shyamalan reacts to Kendrick Lamar's use of the iconic "I see dead people" line from the movie The Sixth Sense in his song "Not Like Us."
(🎥 Way Up With Angela Yee/Youtube) pic.twitter.com/c2X7XVnLw7
— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) July 20, 2024
Lamar seems to be a big fan of The Sixth Sense like any other cinephile who loved the mystery and the big reveal in the film. The film was a huge hit when it was released in 1999, grossing $672 million against a $40 million budget (via Box Office Mojo). It has a glowing 86% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is considered one of the best psychological thrillers of all time.
M. Night Shyamalan Was Hesitant To Cast Haley Joel Osment in The Sixth Sense
M. Night Shyamalan‘s The Sixth Sense had Haley Joel Osment playing a troubled child named Cole who is haunted by seeing dead people around him. The actor managed to bring a lot of vulnerability and emotion to the role which Shyamalan did not expect from him. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Shyamalan revealed that he did not initially envision Osment playing Cole.
The director explained by stating that Osment was this sweet and beautiful boy while he envisioned the character as a dark and brooding one. However, his captivating performance and the humanity he brought to the role won the director over. Shyamalan said,
I saw this part as this brooding, darker, enigmatic child. But he nailed it with the vulnerability and the need — I guess that’s the best way to describe it. He was able to convey a need as a human being in a way that was amazing to see. He did that through the entire process.
After 2023’s Knock at the Cabin, Shyamalan is back with his new film Trap, which promises to be a film full of mystery and twists (in true Shyamalan style). The film has Josh Hartnett as a dotting father who is revealed to be the serial killer that the police are looking for.
Trap is scheduled to hit theatres on August 2, 2024.
Fans can watch/rent The Sixth Sense on Apple TV+.
