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Who indeed... who could elicit such a complete and overwhelming reaction from any audience... be it an audience of one, or a packed movie theatre? It was seven (7) years ago this very day, on 06-August-1999, that the only young actor to have ever been able to secure such a response, became well known to all the world. Now a stunningly handsome and incredible young man, Haley Joel Osment continues his foray into the world of adult actors, and he does so having left an everlasting legacy as a young actor that will probably never even be equalled, much less surpassed. Some might then think there is not very much left for him to achieve, but others may appropriately consider that his amazing career is really only just getting started. In a case such as this, such thoughts can be a very daunting task to grasp, especially when you think about all the possibilities. But seven years ago today, the world payed witness to the impossible... seven years ago, that is the day when everything changed. Genius tends to spawn other genius, and Haley's incredible and unmatched performance would only flourish with a solid script of such depth, it could only serve to inspire. Seven years ago today, the world would also become aware of another brilliant talent, and that is the rare and deeply traditional talent of the Storyteller. Such a title must always be earned, and M. Night Shyamalan proved himself worthy with this genre changing story. Not an outright horror, and not an outright thriller, he would create a hybrid woven together with a shocking twist that would floor audiences around the world. True to his well deserved title, his subsequent films would keep his audiences entranced, as they never knew where he would be coming from next. Having no interest in sequels, remakes, projects built on some thin premise of a video game, or whatever else much of Hollywood seems to find of greatest comfort these days, this particular storyteller remains true to himself, and offers films of originality. Although perhaps not always as well received as they should be, but each film was quite successful, and such efforts do deserve to be celebrated, because as a storyteller he at least tries to present something new. I myself find his unique voice to be quite refreshing, and have enjoyed all of his films. I think most would agree that at the very least, Hollywood could use a few more storytellers. Seven years ago today, the true influence and potential of just one such unique voice would become abundantly clear. The initial hint of the idea for "The Sixth Sense" first came about as a result of Mr. Shyamalan having attended a funeral. While there, at some point he observed a young boy talking to himself, and Mr. Shyamalan wondered what the boy was thinking. From such a simple and inconsequential observation, "The Sixth Sense" would leave a lasting impression on our cultural archives. During the seven years since, this film would be endlessly imitated, copied, mirrored and spoofed, but none could even begin to capture the true essence that made this film great. Some would say that is because the film is so much more than the sum of the individual parts. While others would point out that films of great vision work, only because of some intangible "magic" that surrounds the film. Much has been said about that magic, and the young boy responsible for doing the conjuring, and I think it safe to say that seven years ago today, we learned some magic's real. Somewhere around the turn of the nineteenth century and early into the next, the term "six's and seven's" meant that things were not going smoothly, or were rather messed up... so you might say, "I've been at six's and seven's all day." It can be said that every day the life of the main character central to "The Sixth Sense" was also messed up, in having to see the other worldly presence of those that came before. For him, being at "six's and seven's" was a constant struggle, and he had to fight for some resemblance of normality each day. But for us, we learned to great effect that bravery is not the sole possession of the strong, that you can remain vulnerable and still be a fighter, and communication is what can help us overcome any difficulties. Seven years ago today, we were given so much more than just one simple twist, "The Sixth Sense" is a celebration of what Hollywood can be all about. I celebrate this day not just for the story and the film, but for the incredible talent of one amazing young man that made it all so real, and changed everything. Thanks Haley, you are the best.
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