One of the most famous directors in horror is M. Night Shyamalan, who burst onto the scene with SIXTH SENSE back in 1999. Known mainly for PG-13 horror films with "big twists endings", his latest effort, The Happening, is hitting theaters June 13 with a hardcore R-rating - the first of his career. This afternoon Bloody-Disgusting reporter BC chatted with the writer-director about making an R-rated film, along other things. Read on for the skinny.
This afternoon I got the honor of chatting with SIXTH SENSE and SIGNS director M. Night Shyamalan about his new film THE HAPPENING, which hits theaters on Friday the 13th from 20th Century Fox.
When a series of unusual events begins to draw the attention of the world’s population, high school teacher Elliot Moore (Mark Wahlberg), his wife Alma (Zooey Deschanel) and their family go on the run. Their attempt to avoid becoming victims of these bizarre occurrences develops into a desperate fight for survival as an apocalyptic crisis threatens humanity.
As the ads have made sure to inform you, this is the ‘first R-rated film’ from the director. But HOW R-rated is it going to be? Night explaiins that it was always planned as an R-rated feature.
“I didn’t even ask what would be involved with THE HAPPENING in order to bring down to PG-13, because I assumed we were WAY past the line.” However, don’t expect a nonstop bloodbath, because “It’s mainly for how shocking the images are that you see.”
He also admits that doing a harder film was “disturbingly easy and fun” for him, and will be open to doing another R-rated film again (though not anytime soon – his next film, due in 2010, is a kid’s movie based on the AVATAR animated series).
“My calling is definitely on the gruesome side,” he jokes. Watch for our full interview with Night next week, where he will discuss more on THE HAPPENING, the chances of UNBREAKABLE 2 (PLEASE!) and... STUART LITTLE?
I loved Unbreakable, but, I can't see a sequel living up to the original by any means. It's a stand-alone type of film. Really excited about The Happening, though. Maybe people can bring some substance into this genre instead of just tits and gore.
M. Night has lost it. I've heard terrible things about this film. Just watch any trailer that has emphasis on Mark Wahlberg's acting and you'll see it instantly. Turd. BTW: Can you f'ing use a spellchecker or at least proofread your copy before you publish it, Mr. Disgusting-writer?
many people I work with are very excited about this film and hopefully it lives up to expectations. Unbreakable is my favourite of his films and a sequel would be great but not sure where it would go
I think an Unbreakable 2 would be good IF they had the traditional sort of comic sequel elements (learns a new power, bigger threat, etc) but kept it grounded and slow. I know people hate how slow the movie is (my dad had the best quote of all time: "I thought the DVD player was playing it in slomo") but that's part of why I love it; it's not about effects and spectacle. We have Spider-Man and the X films for that. The only thing i dislike is the goofy text on screen at the end.
Wahlberg's acting is fine. What trailer are you watching? And Unbreakable 2 could work if he used someone else... a different story. And a different way of telling it.
Man, has everyone become acting coaches? I fail to see how the few scenes with Wahlberg talking has people claiming his acting is atrocious. And I think Shymalan rubs some people the wrong way that they'll rag on his movies no matter how they look, but of course they'll still see them.
I do appreciate the irony that in a summer of pg-13 blockbusters, one of the selling points of this film is the R rating. Have you seen the tv ads with the big red R on it? Classic! MNS has always been hit and miss with me, but I have high hopes for this one.
I'm looking forward to this, the trailers look great. The only thing that can fuck this up is some really stupid "shock" ending like all his other movies.
this looks awesome! im glad that he is FINALLY doing a R rated movie. i cant wait to see it. like i said before i liked a few of his moivie. that would be cool for a unbreakable 2. havent seent hat movie in awhile. didnt know that he did stuard little and also unbreakable
A TON of movies leave big reveals until or near the end, its a shame everyone goes into his expecting that to be the only selling point and ignoring the movie.
"The only thing that can fuck this up is some really stupid "shock" ending like all his other movies."
All his other movies have shock endings? Let's see...Lady in the Water? No. Signs? No. Unbreakable? Not really. Praying with Anger? No. Wide Awake? No. So, I guess it's only Sixth Sense and Village?
mns is one of those directors that i will always watch. even though i don't like all his movies i do like enough of them to be excited about this one. glad to see he is finally doing a r-rated film. sorry kiddies better have mom and dad take you to see this one.
I am a M Night fan (except for LITW)...i am looking forward to this film....i am hoping for a good story, suspense, NO BIG TWIST and some blood. UB 2? Bad idea. Do something new M Night. I also LOVE the ads for this campaign.
I can’t stand MNS’ movies. He hints to the viewer like hitting them on the head with a hammer. If the only thing that they are advertizing on TV is that the film is R rated, there must be nothing else to attract an audience to see the film. Other than that, some floating feet and Marky Mark with his mouth open. Hmmm. Just doesn’t do it for me.
SPOILer aLeart!!1
the thing that killz everyone is plant toxins in the air
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This afternoon I got the honor of chatting with SIXTH SENSE and SIGNS director M. Night Shyamalan about his new film THE HAPPENING, which hits theaters on Friday the 13th from 20th Century Fox. 
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