The following is not something I have mentioned in public very often. I mean, if someone asked me, I would be honest. Recently, I rewatched one of my favorite movies, and I figured, what the heck. I am blurting out my secret. I am ready to communicate. Throughout my adult years, I have seen spirits or ghosts, and I can see energy that surrounds objects within our world. Whew. It was not that I was embarrassed by my ability. It was more along the lines of many not believing me. It is a slippery slope to tell a friend you just had a conversation with your mom, who died in 1998. People would look at me with a funny face and nod very slowly. It didn’t matter if I could remember the entire conversation word for word. So, in the end, I stopped mentioning it, which was much easier.
My capabilities do have their own guidelines and rules. I can’t control it. I have no say in when or who comes for a visit. They just show up at the most unexpected time, and always when I am sleeping. I can ask certain people to come, but usually it’s a total surprise from my past who appear instead. It always surprises me, and sometimes jolts me awake, cutting the meeting short. I hate when I do that. I feel as though I didn’t get a chance to hear why they came. When I can stay calm, I usually receive a very cryptic message that stays with me for days after. If I can manage to do it right, seeing my parents, my daughter, family friends, and relatives is always a joy and leaves me with a blissful feeling.
If you are doubting me at this point, please note I know the difference between a dream and a visit from beyond. It is hard to put into words. Trust me. It is just not the same. The other cool thing is that in daylight, I can see the energy surrounding our environment. Trees give off the strongest, white, swirling haze. It takes me to a higher plane or frequency, which feels amazing.
In 1999, a very special film premiered, offering viewers a line that would have extra special meaning to those like me. “I see dead people.” These four words carried immense power that vibrated deep within my soul. I was not alone. I was not a freak. Watching THE SIXTH SENSE helped me believe I was normal, and having a late-night chat with my mom while she sat on top of my tall chest of drawers was quite ordinary. Hearing her lecture me in her usual fashion to tell my brother to get off his butt and finish a certain task was as real as it gets. And given a warning that she would return if I didn’t follow through was so my mom. It did make me happy she was around. I totally could relate to that special, nine-year-old child featured on screen. I was always grateful my visions did not showcase her moment of death. There has never been any blood or gore in my dreams, but my heart ached for Cole (Haley Joel Osment) and his frightening journey. I constantly wished he would one day find peace. I wanted him to be able to smile and breathe without being scared anymore.
THE SIXTH SENSE was a huge box office success. It was number one for six straight weeks. It made twenty million each week. Its budget was only $40 million overall, yet over the years, it racked up $675 million. It boasted the number one DVD release the following year, and it received six Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Screenplay, and Director for M. Night Shyamalan, a genius for creating psychological horror thrillers.
Shyamalan wrote the script with Bryce Willis in mind for the role of Child Psychologist, Malcolm Crowe. It was wonderful revisiting Willis in one of his finest, understated performances. He personified the gentle behavior necessary to guide Cole to a better place. His characterization gave new meaning to the power of quietness and patience in affecting those in need. His subtle facial expressions held my attention. His soft, kind eyes bore into my heart. He was exquisite.
Osment was perfectly cast. In later interviews, he said he got the part of Cole due to three factors. He read very well. He wore a tie, and he had read the entire script three times the night before his audition. This sealed the deal for the director. Osment had such a fragile charm about him. He could project total fear, cry on cue, all while sounding totally believable and authentic. He appeared vulnerable and lost within his horrific world. Watching Osment walk side-by-side with Willis was the ultimate. Both of them relied upon the other for healing. It was inspiring.
Toni Collette portrayed Lynn, Cole’s frazzled, loving mom. Her performance was a masterclass in expressing every emotion in every second of filming. Her breakdown at the end moved me to tears as well. No wonder she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress. She has always been a consummate actress, drawing audiences deep inside her story in spectacular and subtle ways.
Shyamalan created a film that still holds up well today. He is known for his plot twists that can propel audiences to say out loud, “WTF.” He executed this technique brilliantly and with panache as he filmed THE SIXTH SENSE in chronological order. His ability to maintain the perfect mood and tone throughout the entire film is astonishing. He can keep audiences on the edge of their chairs through music, sound effects, sharp, tight editing, dark, shadowy lighting, and recreating visual puffs of frigid, airy breaths. All of this led to an intensely satisfying, palatable experience. He is a genius at what he does.
THE SIXTH SENSE will fool you. It will invite viewers to watch a lonely journey that three characters are forced to travel together. It will make audiences question what they think they saw on screen. There is no doubt that this is a thought-provoking, psychological horror classic. THE SIXTH SENSE will make believers out of those who are in doubt. It will allow pictures to be drawn of what is actually seen. No more rainbows and sunny, blue skies. It gives all who carry a sixth sense permission to declare to all, “I see dead people.” Thank you.
THE SIXTH SENSE is available on Disney+.
