Bruce Willis’ long-standing career filled with cult classic movies, shall always be a reminder of his legacy, especially after the veteran was forced into early retirement following frontotemporal dementia. Therefore, reminiscing the exceptional highlights of his career and the indelible mark that he left on the industry, we’re here to celebrate Willis’ one thought-provoking drama in particular, that captivated audiences.
Well, the movie is none other than M. Night Shyamalan’s The Sixth Sense, which not only shocked Bruce Willis with its ending but also turned into a classic example that revolutionized Hollywood’s approach to plot twists. Willis addressed the film’s influence on cinematic history and recalled his reaction to the ending.
Bruce Willis was Stunned by The Sixth Sense’s Ending
From being popular for his action flicks like the iconic Die Hard franchise where he portrayed John McClane, Bruce Willis later showcased his notable talent in acclaimed films such as Pulp Fiction, 12 Monkeys, and Looper. But among most of his movies that turned him into a global icon, Willis claimed to be stunned by one film in particular that stole his attention.
Playing Dr. Malcolm Crowe, the child psychologist in M. Night Shyamalan’s 1999 breakthrough effort The Sixth Sense, Bruce Willis arguably turned the psychological thriller into one of his most outstanding works. And while the actor recalled his role in The Sixth Sense, in the Making Of documentary via Far Out Magazine, Willis noted agreeing to sign on in a snap decision after being bewildered by the ending.
I agreed to do it very quickly. I was as surprised by the ending in the script, I think, as the audience was in the theatre. I was completely unprepared for that ending. Once I knew the ending of the film and that my character was indeed dead, I had to forget about it and act as if I weren’t. I never really thought about acting as a ghost.
Popularly known as the iconic action hero, Bruce Willis delivered his career-defining performance in The Sixth Sense. Thereafter, the movie proved to be a game-changer, not only for Willis but also for the entire film industry. The film’s groundbreaking ending, where Willis’ character is revealed to be a ghost, sent shockwaves through Hollywood, redefining the art of plot twists and cementing Willis’ versatility as an actor.
The Sixth Sense Shaped the Landscape of Hollywood’s Plot Twists
Bruce Willis’ portrayal of a mournful and haunted character in The Sixth Sense was a far cry from his typical action-packed roles in films like Die Hard. The actor’s nuanced performance in the psychological thriller added a remarkable depth and emotion to the film, showcasing his range and talent. But most importantly, the film’s influence on Hollywood at large was unprecedented and undeniable.
The Sixth Sense‘s success paved the way for more complex, thought-provoking storylines, that were meant to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Thereafter, the film’s impact can be seen in movies like Fight Club (1999), Gone Girl (2014), and Shutter Island (2010). M. Night Shyamalan’s 1999 movie not only became a timeless classic but also earned recognition for shaping the landscape of Hollywood’s twisted endings.
In the end, The Sixth Sense redefined the art of plot twists and influenced subsequent movies. Meanwhile, Bruce Willis’ contribution to cinematic history, alongside M. Night Shyamalan, turned him into a true Hollywood legend.
The Sixth Sense is available on Prime Video.
