Welcome to Weekend Watch, a recurring feature where we highlight some of the best geek-related videos around the web. Whether it’s short films, behind-the-scenes videos, video essays, or top 10 countdowns, the only requirement is that they are about our favorite geeky topics!
(Warning: This article contains heavy spoilers for Unbreakable and Split. If you haven’t seen these films, you should check out both of them before proceeding below. You’ve been warned!)
In this edition of Weekend Watch, we’re taking a look at M. Night Shyamalan’s comic book inspired trilogy. Comprised of 2000’s Unbreakable, 2016’s Split and now 2019’s Glass, Shyamalan’s connected universe in one of the most grounded series of superhero films. This week, we’re delving into this world with a recap of the stories behind both Split and Unbreakable. We’re also revisiting an oral account of all three films from Shyamalan himself. Additionally, there are great explanations for the powers and abilities of the hero and villains. Plus, we have a red carpet interview that gives us even more insight into Glass.
Unbreakable And Split’s Story In 9 Minutes
This video from IGN recaps both Unbreakable and Split’s respective stories. Unbreakable follows Bruce Willis’ David Dunn, the sole survivor of a deadly train accident. When Dunn learns that he survived without a scratch, he begins to ask questions he’s avoided his entire life. The enigmatic Elijah Price believes that comic books may hold the answers about David’s destiny and his own. If you still haven’t seen this film, do yourself a favor and watch it.
Split follows Kevin Wendell Crumb, a man with a split personality disorder. To make matters worse, Kevin has 23 different personalities battling for control, including a 24th persona that is simply named “The Beast.” Although the film was marketed as a standalone thriller, Split’s surprise ending revealed that it was actually a follow up to Unbreakable. That set the stage for Glass to bring the trilogy to a conclusion.
An Oral History Of Unbreakable, Split & Glass
In this trio of videos from Rotten Tomatoes, Shyamalan and the various cast members from all three films delve into the genesis of their trilogy. In the first, we learn about the history of Unbreakable, along with a few tidbits about the making of the film. Shyamalan also shares his thoughts about the botched marketing strategy of Unbreakable.
For the next video, Shyamalan talks about how Split came to be, and it’s origins as a side story in his original Unbreakable outline. Shyamalan also discusses how a chance encounter led to the pivotal casting choice of James McAvoy. We also hear form McAvoy himself, as he gives a great deal of insight about the process of creating the various personalities of Kevin.
The final video takes a look at Glass, which includes twenty of Kevin’s personalities – a significant step up from Split. Aside from hearing which of the personalities McAvoy liked playing the most, Shyamalan also discusses the approach he took while directing the finale. We also get to learn a bit more about Sarah Paulson’s Ellie Staple, a key player who is introduced in the film. Additionally, the actors tell us how Shyamalan’s style has evolved over the last two decades.
Powers and Abilities Explained – David Dunn, The Beast & Mr. Glass
In this series of videos from Key Issues, we get a closer look at the powers and abilities of the main characters in the trilogy. The first video looks at David Dunn, and it does a great job of summarizing the extent of his powers in Unbreakable. Although this does a quick recap of David’s origin story, it also explores the nature of his durability and the limits of his strength, as well as the extra-sensory perception that he displays as well.
Next, we have a video that details the powers and abilities of the Horde. If also offers a quick recap of Kevin’s antagonistic role in Split. The most interesting part is the way it examines the psychology of the Horde, as well as each of the different personalities.
The final video attempts to make sense of Mr. Glass’ powers – if he has any. Aside form the expected origin recap form Unbreakable, it suggests that Elijah’s superpower is his intelligence. The video also theorizes that Elijah may have additional abilities that have yet to be unlocked.
Glass UK Premiere Interviews
As a small teaser for next week’s edition of Weekend Watch, we have a series of quick Interviews from PremiereScene. In this video, we get insight from Shyamalan, McAvoy, and Samuel L. Jackson about their approach to Glass. Aside from hearing Jackson’s thoughts on reading the script for the first time, he also talks about reprising his role after 19 years. Additionally, we learn how the trilogy deviated from Shyamalan’s original plan.
What are your thoughts on Unbreakable and Split? Are you excited for Glass? Let us know in the comment section below!
