Unbreakable (2000)

M. Night Shymalan's reputation as a filmmaker has become tainted to say the very least. People chuckle at the mere mention of his name. After seeing the film Unbreakable, it doesn't feel like a joke any more. It now feels tragic. Unbreakable is a masterpiece. One of the best directed, best written and best shot films of the 2000's. I was hypnotized by the very first frame. The cinematography is a work of art. The angles and techniques that Shymalan chooses to tell this unique story propels it to a whole new level. The train sequence is fascinating in its use of what I call "The Seat Dolly" to navigate through the dialogue. The POV of a young Glass looking at himself through a 1960's Television set is a truly powerful moment. Unbreakable, through the visual language alone will take your breath away, and make you realize that there are better ways to create a superhero epic than simply what Marvel has championed over the past 10 years. Is Unbreakable the greatest superhero movie? For my money, it is. It is the story of two men. One who can never be injured, and one who can't escape injury. By destiny, the two of them are spiritually connected. The reason that they are, we find, is more Stan Lee-esque than we could ever imagine. This must have been a trip when it premiered 19 years ago, but it's even better and more poignant now than ever.