M. Night Shyamalan’s "Lady in the Water": A Dive into a Misunderstood Fairy Tale

The film Lady in the Water, directed by M. Night Shyamalan, remains a perplexing piece of work within his filmography. Celebrated for his early successes like The Sixth Sense, Shyamalan experienced a dramatic downturn, with Lady in the Water often showcased as a key moment in this decline. Initially released in 2006, this film was heavily critiqued but has since gained a more nuanced appreciation, particularly from the director himself, who considers it a personal favorite.

A Unique Storytelling Approach

Lady in the Water tells the story of Cleveland Heep, portrayed by Paul Giamatti, a superintendent in a Philadelphia apartment complex who discovers a young woman, Story (played by Bryce Dallas Howard), submerged in the pool. Unbeknownst to him, she is a water nymph from a fantasy realm. The film is Shyamalan’s interpretation of a fairy tale, rooted in a bedtime story he recounted to his daughters. This personal connection adds an underlying layer of warmth, despite its previous reception as self-indulgent.

Critics initially lambasted the movie for its perceived vanity and convoluted narrative. Shyamalan’s decision to cast himself in a significant role, alongside a character that caricatured film critics, drew sharp rebuke. Furthermore, the film’s ambitious world-building and thematic aspirations faced scrutiny for being muddled and lacking cohesion.

Despite these criticisms, Shyamalan remains fond of Lady in the Water. In a 2021 interview, he stated: "The ones I have most affinity for are the ones that have maintained that quirky nature." His retrospective affection for the film suggests a resilient belief in its artistic vision.

Themes of Family and Belief

At its core, Lady in the Water explores themes of family, companionship, and belief in the extraordinary. The film highlights Cleveland’s transformation from a skeptical cynic to someone who embraces the enchantment around him. This represents a broader humanist streak in Shyamalan’s work, reinforcing the importance of community and relationships—a recurring element throughout his cinematic endeavors.

The cinematography, led by Christopher Doyle, showcases a visually stunning landscape that complements Shyamalan’s attempt to merge the ordinary with the extraordinary. This blend of realism and fairy-tale aesthetics adds to the film’s unique ambiance, making it stand out despite its flaws.

Reevaluating Shyamalan’s Legacy

Over the years, critics have broadened their understanding of Lady in the Water, acknowledging its uncanny charm and the depth beneath its surface flaws. Although its perceived hubris and outlandish narrative choices initially provoked ire, these same elements are now regarded as part of what makes the film distinctive.

As Shyamalan’s career continues to evolve—most recently through self-financed projects that embrace a simpler storytelling approach—it becomes clear that Lady in the Water serves as a crucial transitional piece. The themes presented in this particular film resonate with his ongoing exploration of familial bonds and the need for belief, which have become more pronounced in his recent works.

Conclusion: The Unyielding Spirit of M. Night Shyamalan

Lady in the Water, while often viewed through a lens of critique, holds significance as a representation of M. Night Shyamalan’s artistic journey. It echoes the duality of his career; a filmmaker capable of crafting both striking narratives and controversial choices. As audiences increasingly engage with his earlier works in a new light, the film invites reflection on the nature of storytelling itself, reminding viewers of the importance of imagination, belief, and the familial ties that bind us.

For those wishing to explore this enigmatic film, Lady in the Water is available for viewing on Kanopy. Its legacy, once largely mocked, is now a testament to the complex artistry of one of filmmaking’s most polarizing figures.