They Called Me Mr Glass…
Unbreakable is very high in my list of favourite movies. Released in 2000, under the direction of M. Night Shyalaman, following his amazing success having directed Sixth Sense. Shyalaman himself admitted disappointment at the films success with the box office, and general public, although the film made large profits at the box office. For real film fans, that prefer to think a little more, and don’t just eat the hero with a gun & big explosion pie… this is a must-see.
Unbreakable has an undeniable link to the comic book world, not noticed by all. When you watch Unbreakable you should spot it’s lack of colour. Many scenes are dark, dull, and lack of bright visuals. This is by design, and echoes techniques used by comic book artists. Key items and characters in comics are drawn brighter, with thicker borders, and close to the comic book window. Characters also have a defining colour, to carry them through the strip. The hero in Unbreakable is green, David wears green, his flat has many green items, and he’s filmed near green backdrops throughout. Mr Glass is purple (Jacksons’ favourite colour), he wears a purple suit, and has a purple business card. Mr Glass is also associated with physical glass throughout the film, he’s shown in reflections, mirrors, and carries a glass cane.
There are more subtle references in the film too, you’ll notice if you look that a lot of the scenes are shot through doors & windows, an attempt to “frame” the film just like a comic is framed on a page. Davids name itself is one of a superhero, as in many famous superhero media through time his initals are the same letter. David Dunn, just like Clarke Kent, Lois Lane, and Peter Parker.
The highlight of the film for me is the final scene, as is the case with all superhero stories it’s the moment the villain confronts the hero. While sickening in some ways I find the scene, and music that accompanies Elijahs speech, triumphant. He has finally discovered who he is, after an entire lifetime of pain and struggle. He knows his place in the world, and although admission of his guilt will lead to his downfall, he cries tears of joy.
Watch this epic scene below, and browse a small gallery of scenes showing the colour, reflective nature, and framing featured throughout.
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The Final Scene
Gallery
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