In 2000, M. Night Shyamalan introduced the world to Unbreakable, a film that offered a unique and cerebral take on the superhero genre. At a time when superhero blockbusters weren't the cultural juggernauts they are today, Unbreakable dared to be different. It explored themes of destiny, identity, and purpose in a grounded, realistic world, becoming a beloved classic that resonates with audiences even after two decades. For me, Unbreakable felt like a deep dive into the human psyche, wrapped in the mystique of comic book lore.
The Premise
Set in Philadelphia, Unbreakable begins with an ordinary man named David Dunn (played by Bruce Willis) surviving a catastrophic train crash that kills every other passenger. Miraculously, David emerges without a single scratch. This event leads him to meet Elijah Price (Samuel L. Jackson), a mysterious man with a rare condition that makes his bones extremely fragile.
Elijah, an eccentric comic book art dealer, believes that David's survival is not just luck but a sign that he has extraordinary abilities—abilities akin to those of a real-life superhero. The film follows David's journey of self-discovery as he grapples with the possibility that he may be more than he ever imagined.
Shyamalan masterfully weaves suspense and intrigue, using minimalistic storytelling and a somber atmosphere to create a world where comic book mythology meets reality. The pacing is deliberate, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in David's internal struggle and Elijah's obsessive quest for purpose.
Main Cast and Characters
Bruce Willis as David Dunn:
The reluctant hero who slowly comes to terms with his superhuman abilities. Willis’s understated performance helped ground the film’s fantastical premise in reality, making David’s journey relatable and compelling.
Samuel L. Jackson as Elijah Price/Mr. Glass:
The fragile yet brilliant comic book expert with Type I osteogenesis imperfecta, a condition that makes his bones extremely brittle. Jackson’s portrayal of Elijah’s obsessive search for meaning and purpose culminates in one of cinema’s most memorable villain reveals.
Robin Wright as Audrey Dunn:
David’s estranged wife. Wright brought a quiet strength and emotional complexity to Audrey, who is caught between her lingering love for David and the strain on their relationship.
Spencer Treat Clark as Joseph Dunn:
David’s son, whose unwavering belief in his father plays a key role in David’s acceptance of his abilities. Clark’s performance captured the innocence and faith of a child who sees his father as a true hero.
Charlayne Woodard as Mrs. Price:
Elijah’s mother, who nurtures his fascination with comic books and helps him cope with his condition. Woodard’s portrayal exudes warmth, strength, and unwavering support, making her an integral figure in shaping Elijah’s worldview. Her character also adds emotional depth to the film by showing the toll Elijah’s condition takes on both him and his family.
Themes and Symbolism
Unbreakable isn't your typical superhero film. Instead of flashy costumes and epic battles, it focuses on the ordinary aspects of extraordinary people. Shyamalan uses comic book mythology as a framework to explore deeper themes:
Identity and Purpose:
David's journey is about finding his place in the world. He begins as a man who feels lost and disconnected, but through Elijah's guidance, he discovers a sense of purpose—to protect others.
Duality:
The film emphasizes the duality of strength and weakness, hero and villain. David is unbreakable, while Elijah is incredibly fragile. This dichotomy creates a compelling dynamic that drives the narrative forward.
Belief in the Extraordinary:
Elijah's belief in comic books as modern mythology is central to the film. His conviction that superheroes exist among us challenges David's skepticism and forces the audience to reconsider the line between fiction and reality.
Notable Scenes
Several scenes in Unbreakable stand out for their emotional weight and visual storytelling:
The Train Crash Aftermath:
The opening sequence immediately sets the tone, with David emerging as the sole survivor of a horrific accident. The quiet, somber aftermath contrasts sharply with the miraculous nature of his survival.
The Bench Press Scene:
In a pivotal moment, David tests his strength by bench pressing increasingly heavy weights, with his son Joseph eagerly adding more. The scene captures both the physical discovery of his abilities and the emotional bond between father and son.
The Hero's First Act:
David's first act as a hero, where he confronts a home intruder, is gripping and tense. Unlike traditional superhero films, this moment is depicted with raw realism, emphasizing David's humanity.
Elijah's Revelation:
The twist ending, where Elijah reveals his true nature and declares himself David's nemesis, is both shocking and poignant. Shyamalan's signature twist elevates the story, recontextualizing everything that came before.
The Ending and Its Impact
The film's ending is one of its most memorable aspects. After David embraces his role as a protector, Elijah reveals that he orchestrated several disasters, including the train crash, in his quest to find someone like David. Elijah sees himself as the villain to David's hero, a necessary counterpart in a world governed by comic book logic.
This revelation is both tragic and brilliant. Elijah's actions are horrifying, but they stem from a desperate desire to find meaning in his life. The ending leaves audiences questioning the nature of heroism and villainy, blurring the lines between right and wrong.
Why Unbreakable Is a Modern Classic
Unbreakable stands out because it subverts the superhero genre, grounding it in reality and focusing on character development over spectacle. Shyamalan's direction, James Newton Howard's haunting score, and the minimalist cinematography create a mood that lingers long after the credits roll.
The film's exploration of destiny, belief, and duality makes it more than just a superhero story—it's a meditation on what it means to find one's place in the world. Its influence can be seen in later superhero films that aim for a more grounded approach, such as The Dark Knight trilogy and Logan.
The Legacy and the Eastrail 177 Trilogy
Years after Unbreakable's release, it gained a cult following and critical acclaim for its unique take on the genre. In 2016, Shyamalan surprised audiences with Split, a psychological thriller that was revealed to be set in the same universe as Unbreakable. This led to Glass (2019), which brought together the characters from both films and concluded the Eastrail 177 Trilogy.
While opinions on Glass are divided, there's no denying the impact of Unbreakable and its legacy. The trilogy as a whole explores the blurred lines between myth and reality, heroism and madness, creating a rich, thought-provoking narrative.
Personal Connection
Watching Unbreakable in theaters when it was first released was a unique experience. While I loved traditional superhero cartoons and movies, Unbreakable offered something entirely different. It was like a superhero story for grown-ups, one that made you think deeply about life, purpose, and the idea that maybe, just maybe, there’s something extraordinary about all of us.
David's reluctance to accept his destiny mirrored the doubts we all face in life, and Elijah's quest for meaning, though twisted, was profoundly human. The film stayed with me long after the credits rolled, making me appreciate the depth and complexity that a superhero story could have.
Conclusion
Unbreakable remains a timeless classic because it challenges conventions and invites viewers to reflect on their own lives. It's a film that asks, "What if superheroes were real?" but more importantly, "What if you had a purpose greater than you ever imagined?"
If you haven't seen Unbreakable or it's been a while since your last viewing, I highly recommend revisiting it. Its themes, performances, and atmosphere make it a standout film that's just as compelling today as it was in 2000. I just rewatched the Eastrail 177 Trilogy in the last 24 hours and enjoyed every minute of it.
If you enjoyed reading about Unbreakable, be sure to check out my novel S.O.L.A.D.™: Soldiers of Light Against Darkness™, where you'll find a unique blend of action, faith, and heroism. You can order your autographed copy at www.tyronetonyreedjr.com/the-shop. Let's keep the spirit of heroism alive!
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