M. Night Shyamalan’s twist endings became his trademark following the global success of The Sixth Sense in 1999. His next film, Unbreakable, in 2000 cemented his reputation as rug-puller in chief when it also featured a dramatic reveal at the climax. Fans of David Dunn and his nemesis Mr. Glass (Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson respectively) wanted more, and the director commented at the time that the film was set up to be the first of a trilogy. It took many years for this promised trilogy to come to light, but when it did the reveal came in true Shyamalan fashion.
The final moments of 2016’s Split were audacious in their revelation. This film about a serial killer with a split personality was a secret sequel to Unbreakable, and there was more to come. This year James McAvoy’s Beast, Willis’ Dunn and Jackson’s Mr. Glass came together for a thoroughly satisfying conclusion in Glass. One of the jewels in this particular crown was actress Sarah Paulson, known for her many roles in American Horror Story and Aaron Sorkin’s Studio 60.
We took time with Paulson to talk about stepping into the iconic world of Shyamalan with the trio of actors. Her enthusiasm for the film is infectious, and she details some of her approach to playing a ‘less clinical’ character than we are used to seeing in that setting. She praised the director who always had an answer for everything, and that level of thinking and preparedness creates a fun atmosphere on set. The Studio 60 actress talks about working with McAvoy and his ‘nimble’ ability to switch from character to character.
Scott Davis asks the questions. Glass is out on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital from Monday, the 20th of May.
