The Sixth Sense—Stuff to Consider
- Look for Gothic symbols and motifs in the mise-en-scene, and listen for them in the film's dialogue. Many of them we've seen/will see in other works:
- Shadows and reflections (in mirrors, windows, etc.)
- Imagery and references to windows, doors and doorknobs as portals/passageways (to the unknown, to hidden secrets).
- Imagery and references to windows, doors and doorknobs as barriers (to communication, to the truth).
- Talismans/magic objects (e.g. objects Cole uses to make himself feel safe).
- Images of/references to churches and sanctuaries (places where Cole can feel safe).
- References to dreams/visions.
- Patterns of color are significant throughout the film, what objects/people/actions is red associated with? What other color patterns does the film develop (e.g. green, black, gray)?
- Look for formal patterns in the camerawork (e.g. scenes and shots filmed from behind objects, forward tracking shots): when do these patterns occur?
The Sixth Sense--Discussion questions
- Early in the movie, we discover that Cole's parents recently divorced. He’s attached to things that belonged to his dad (the glasses, the broken watch, and the gloves he wears because the house is so cold). Similarly, within Cole’s "tent," he has a set of religious statues. What do you think motivates him to collect these things? How were these things helpful to him as he dealt with "the ghosts" or with his classmates? When has physically holding onto something helped you get through a difficult time?
- Think about the day in the classroom when Cole objects to the way his teacher is looking at him. Talk about the feeling Cole has of being a freak, of being told he doesn’t fit in. Even if you don’t know anyone who thinks they see dead people like Cole did, can you identify people you've met or seen who others might consider freaks who don't fit in? What does this movie have to say regarding our treatment of others who may feel as though they don’t fit in?
- Does Cole realize from the very beginning that his psychologist is also a ghost? What details support your answer to this question?
- What finally helps Cole deal with his encounters with the dead? Is that different than what might help us deal with our encounters with the living? (Remember the question that is asked throughout the movie: Do you have something to tell me?)
- When Cole and Dr. Crowe are finished with their sessions together, Cole says to his mom "I’m ready to communicate with you now--to tell you my secrets." What changed in Cole so that he was finally able to talk to his mom more openly? When you have fears or secrets, whom can you tell?
- Dr. Crowe asks Cole, "If you could change something, anything--what would it be?" What would you change in your own life if you could?
- In what ways were the techniques of film-making (casting, direction, script, music, sets, action, cinematography, editing, etc.) used to get the film’s message(s) across, or to make the message plausible or compelling?