Unbreakable keeps interest

Are you unbreakable? This is the question that was used to spark the curiosity of movie fans in the preview for the new film Unbreakable. But no matter how many possibilities the film may have offered, the storyline's unexpected direction disappoints. Unbreakable is the second project of the Oscar nominated writer/director M. Night Shyamalan, made famous for the sleeper success of The Sixth Sense. The story follows David Dunn (Bruce Willis) after he is discovered as the sole survivor of a terrible train wreck in which over 100 people die. Emerging without a scratch, Dunn doesn't think much of the events that have transpired until he receives a mysterious note from a store called Limited Edition. The note poses a strange query, asking Dunn how many times he has been sick in his life. This forces Dunn to really think about how strange it is that no one he knows can remember him ever being sick. He then decides to pay the store a visit and ask what was meant by the note. Dunn finds a cross between Dr. X and a cast member of The Matrix in Elijah Price (Samuel L. Jackson), the owner of Limited Edition, a comic book art gallery. Price explains that he has a rare genetic disorder that causes his bones to break easily. He rationalizes that if he is so easily injured, then there must be someone on the other side of the spectrum who cannot be harmed. The rest of the film deals with Dunn's slow acceptance of his comic book superhero-esque fate. Shyamalan hit gold when he wrote and directed The Sixth Sense, which generated not only huge revenues at the box office but also rave reviews. However, Unbreakable casts a darker and slower-moving shadow, one that may alienate his previous fans. The film has a very dark, dismal overtone that works well with the mystery-driven plot. The use of dark colors throughout the film, seen not only in the scenery but also in the clothing of each character, is offset well by the bright color used in some shots later in the film. The story is well written despite a slackening of pace after the first forty-five minutes, but the dialogue constantly dances around the subject without telling the viewer what is meant. Despite plot shortcomings, Willis successfully duplicates his role from The Sixth Sense, portraying his characters' depth in a meaningful manner. Robin Wright Penn turns in a quietly moving performance as Dunn's estranged wife, but Jackson steals the spotlight from the rest with his vivid portrayal of the eccentric Price. With a surprise ending, it becomes clear just how well Jackson played the role. Unbreakable's emphasis on comic book culture may come as a shock to moviegoers who attend purely on the strength of the movie's star power, but the film holds promise for anyone willing to suspend reality for Shyamalan's moody vision. Rating: B