Thescreescore – Toni Collette, the acclaimed actress known for her versatility, recently revealed a surprising anecdote about her experience filming the iconic thriller The Sixth Sense. In a recent interview, Collette confessed that she didn’t initially perceive the film as a horror story, despite its now-legendary status in the genre.
When The Sixth Sense premiered in 1999, it rapidly became a cultural touchstone. M. Night Shyamalan’s directorial masterpiece, starring Bruce Willis as a child psychologist and Haley Joel Osment as his young patient who claims to see dead people, captivated audiences worldwide. The film garnered critical acclaim and box office success, earning six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor for Osment. Collette, who played Osment’s mother, was also nominated for Best Supporting Actress.
During an appearance on the Q with Tom Power podcast, Collette shared her initial perception of the film. "I just thought it was a beautiful, spiritual story," she admitted with a laugh. She explained that it wasn’t until she witnessed a specific scene being edited on set that she realized the film’s true nature.
Related Post
Collette recounted, "I remember walking past, they had like a makeshift edit suite on set. […] And they were cutting the scene together where Haley is at that girl’s house, played by Mischa Barton. […] And he walks past the bed, I think, and she reaches out and grabs him. And the way it was shot, I was like, ‘Oh, holy sh–, I think this is a horror movie.’"
Collette’s revelation underscores The Sixth Sense‘s unique ability to transcend genre expectations. The film’s blend of supernatural elements and profound emotional depth has resonated with audiences for decades. Her initial reaction highlights the film’s skill in balancing suspense and emotional storytelling, appealing to viewers who might not typically gravitate toward horror films.
The fact that Collette didn’t immediately recognize the horror elements demonstrates Shyamalan’s masterful fusion of genres. The Sixth Sense subtly evokes fear while remaining grounded in human emotion, contributing to its enduring classic status and sparking ongoing discussions about its genre-bending brilliance.
Collette’s admission speaks volumes about the subtlety of Shyamalan’s storytelling. The film’s ability to seamlessly blend suspense, psychological drama, and horror without overtly branding itself as a thriller is a key factor in its lasting appeal. It’s a testament to its enduring legacy that the film is still talked about 26 years on.
While Collette’s confession is amusing, it also highlights The Sixth Sense‘s core strength: its ability to linger in the minds of viewers, challenging their preconceived notions of what constitutes a "horror" film. Given this, it’s easy to forgive Collette’s initial misinterpretation of the film’s genre.
Leave a Comment