New Shyamalan Project Traps You in an Elevator. With Satan.
Filed under: Horror, Thrillers, RumorMonger, Scripts
What is Devil? It's a new movie directed by the Dowdle Brothers (the skillful Quarantine) with a script by Brian Nelson (30 Days of Night, Hard Candy) from a story by M. Night Shyamalan (uh... well, you know). It is also the coolest high concept I've heard in a long time. The plot of the Shyamalan-produced project was tightly under wraps, but some online sleuthing by Slashfilm this weekend uncovered some hints, including possibly the greatest log line of all time.The logline: "A group of people are trapped in an elevator, and one of them is the devil."
Right off the bat I should say that I have an almost irrational affection for movies that take Satan seriously as a walking, talking character. (As opposed to a tormenting spirit a la The Exorcist, which is also cool, but a whole different animal.) When The Devil's Advocate came out, I was obsessed with it for months. And I always find myself willing to tolerate a lot of crap from movies like End of Days for the same reason. My biases also include a love for claustrophobic little thrillers with a psychological bent. (This one almost sounds like something dreamed up by David Mamet.) And have I mentioned that getting stuck in an elevator is a long-standing phobia of mine?
I'm also a Shyamalan apologist, and his involvement in this isn't surprising: like all of his films, Devil is conceptually brilliant. It's the execution that's in question. The linked Slashfilm post reveals a few more details, none of them as interesting as that ridiculously beguiling conceit, which might be a bad sign.
Oh, and pop quiz: given what you know about Shyamalan's propensity for twist endings, and his approach to faith and spirituality, any guesses as to who else might be in that elevator?
Tom Cruise and J.J. Abrams Reunite for 'Mission Impossible 4'
'Big Top Pee-Wee': The Original Benicio Del Toro Wolfman
Spin-ematical: New on DVD and Blu-ray for 2/9
Watch This: Brilliant Oscar-Nominated Short 'Logorama'
Chris Nolan to Lead 'Superman' Reboot!?
_thumbnail.jpg)
_thumbnail.jpg)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
10-18-2009 @ 3:36PM
Ben said...
I'm a Shyamalan apologist too, and I totally agree–his basic ideas are always great. This one is no exception, and as for the execution, remember: Shyamalan isn't directing or even writing. He's hired, as you mentioned, Brian Nelson (who's 'Hard Candy' and '30 Days of Night' are both gruesomely engaging) and the Dowdle Brothers (who's Quarantine, while not particularly engaging, in my opinion, was more than a tad competent in the directing department) to make the movie. I think that this may very well be the beginning of a comeback for Shyamalan–not only is he hiring out his ideas and projects to others, but he's also tackling entirely new genres (The Last Airbender), as he branches out and gets out of his comfort zone. I liked The Happening and even Lady in the Water more than person probably has any right to, but I'm more than willing to admit their faults. I think Shyamalan deserves a lot of credit for sucking it up and going with some new, risky approaches. Here's hoping it pays off.
Reply
10-18-2009 @ 3:44PM
Justin said...
"The trapped in an elevator with the Devil" is conceptually brilliant? I'm not so sure about that, though I am pleased with the news that he's letting other people take the reigns on his ideas.
Reply
10-18-2009 @ 4:02PM
Porcalina said...
I'm an apologist as well. Glad I'm not alone here haha. My guess for who else might be in that elevator is either an angel or God
Reply
10-18-2009 @ 4:09PM
uforeader said...
This movie is the first of the of Night's "Night Chronicles." I wouldn't call myself a Shyamalan apologist cause I don't think he has anything to apologize for. His first 4 movies are enthralling and brilliant. His last two were lesser works, but they're unlike anything else being made, and he deserves a lot of credit for making such unique movies.
I was excited to hear Night was making these "Night Chronicles" movies. He takes 2 years to complete a film, and I was getting impatient waiting for his next cool idea to see a screen. This way, he can put his mark on more movies while still focusing of his own directorial work. I kinda wish he wasn't doing Airbender (I've never seen the show) simply 'cause I'm not sure it allows him enough creative freedom, but we'll see.
My guess is an angel or god is also on the elevator.
Reply
10-18-2009 @ 4:23PM
Drewbacca said...
Who keeps giving this one-hit wonder the green light to film this crap??
Reply
10-19-2009 @ 1:26AM
Ryan said...
He hasn't topped Unbreakable yet, its true. But The Sixth Sense and Signs are nothing to sneeze at.
10-19-2009 @ 11:39AM
Drewbacca said...
In my personal opinion, The Sixth Sense was his only decent movie. (I thought "Signs" was overrated and "Unbreakable" was unwatchable)
10-18-2009 @ 4:44PM
Meltdowntown said...
God/angel would be a bit too obvious. I'm thinking more of a modern day Faust character. Or maybe even Christ.
Reply
10-18-2009 @ 5:10PM
Stan Winsome said...
And watch that gets a $100million dollar budget. Clearly he knows a lot about a bargain with the devil- he made one for his crappy career.
Reply
10-18-2009 @ 6:11PM
Univarn said...
Wasn't there an SNL skit back in the 90s about a guy who gets into an elevator with Satan (I believe played by Jon Lovitz)? Hmmm, oh well, sounds like it'll either be really interesting, or the most pathetic film of the year (welcome to Shyamalan).
Reply
10-19-2009 @ 6:01AM
Jerry said...
I watched The Happening. It was like being in an elevator with the Devil.
Reply
10-19-2009 @ 5:49PM
mjhd123 said...
ahhh damn i clicked continue reading and although thats actually an awesome twist, the movie is now ruined for me.
Reply