The Village of M. Night...

Warning: Movie plot revealed. Do not read if you don't want to know my opinion of The Village.

Chris and I went to see the much anticipated movie by M. Night Shyamalan, The Village, tonight. We would have gone last weekend when it opened, but that was a crazy weekend with no time for fun, so we had to wait. The first word that comes to mind regarding the movie is disappointing. I really enjoyed The Sixth Sense and Signs, so I had every reason to believe that The Village would be as good if not better. It was a two hour drama about a small society of people living in an isolated village in constant fear of "those of whom we don't speak" who live in the woods. First, kudos to the actors, who did a fabulous job. Bryce Howard, who is Ron Howard's daughter, was wonderful in the role of Ivy, a young blind woman who falls in love and adapts to life beyond her limitations. Joaquin Phoenix was good too, considering he spent half the movie in bed unconscious. The movie was definitely suspenseful throughout. In fact, I really liked the movie up until the last five minutes. What I didn't like was that the conclusion of the movie was wrapped up in five or so minutes. It was disappointing. I'm sure that was done on purpose, to make one think about the film later and discuss it with others, but I hate quick endings. So much time was spent on showing a multitude of details developing the plot. I feel like they realized that the movie was approaching the 120 minute mark, so the sped up the ending to get it in under two hours. Chris and I analyzed the film and came up with several thoughts:
1. It is impossible to create a perfect world, free of evil or "bad things."
2. People in mourning would benefit from working through Elizabeth Kubler-Ross' stages of grief before doing anything rash, like running away from society into isolation.
3. The Boogeyman exists in the real world and in your imagination. How you deal with him is what counts.
4. Obscenely rich people should not be allowed to create secret societies.
5. There was an edge of racism/elitism in the film--everyone in the Village was white. No diversity is not the answer to a peaceful world.
6. Ignorance is not bliss.
I really could go on, but I will stop.
What I did like in the film was the knitting. I recall a casting call for knitters back when they were filming the movie. I couldn't go that day, and regret it. Some of the "elders" were knitting during a meeting. I also liked all the Philadelphia mentions, since that's where I grew up as a child. And of course the writer/director/producer's guest appearance. That was cleverly done.

I did not get any knitting done today, my day off from work. I spent most of the day cleaning the house, doing laundry and running errands. Tomorrow we are having my family over to celebrate my mom's birthday. I still have to finish the cake and start on the meal--grilled chicken and pesto pasta. Thankfully the weather forecast is for a cool and beautiful day. Isabel is coming over to run around our yard and play. It should be fun. Plus, I cannot wait for my mom to see her gift. I bought her this very cool piece of art from a local gallery that she loves. She will be shocked.