"Old" director M. Night Shyamalan reveals the secret behind his rapidly aging beach production and the last movie he wants to see in his life [Director's Interview Vol.137]

Since `` The Sixth Sense '' (1999), M. Night Shyamalan's works have always attracted the attention of movie fans, and sometimes caused mixed reviews. This new work, ``Old,'' also has a bold and sensational setting. When you step on that beach, time moves at an unusual speed, and you begin to age rapidly... This film, in which people on vacation face an unbelievable fate, also has a Shyamalan-like ending.

This time as well, all details will be kept secret until the theatrical release. We asked Shyamalan about the origins of the film, filming during the coronavirus pandemic, his relationship with his daughters who created the film with him, and the last movie he would like to see in his life. As usual, Shyamalan was always quick to respond and gave accurate answers.

Index

• Father's Day present inspired the production
• Discover a new self with a photoshoot on the beach
• Japanese movies that influenced me...
• An ending inspired by the mood of the original work (no spoilers)

Father's Day present inspired the production

Q: “Old” (21) is based on the graphic novel “ Sandcastle ”. When he came to Japan to work on `` Split '' (2016), he said that he wanted to find Japanese comics for his next work...

Shyamalan: No, I actually wanted to look everywhere! I wasn't looking for a specific title, I wanted to take my time to see what kind of works were available, but unfortunately I didn't have the time. I watched a documentary about Guillermo del Toro going to various comic shops, and I felt jealous and thought, ``I want to do something like that, too'' (lol). The original work was written by a French author, and it touched my heart and made me want to convert it into a movie.

“Old” © 2021 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

Q: This original work was a Father's Day present from your three The Handmaiden.

Shyamalan: That's right. My girls knew that I liked graphic novels, and in a flash of inspiration, they picked up a rare item with a low circulation at a comic shop in Philadelphia and thought, ``This would be perfect as a gift since my dad probably wouldn't know about it either.'' Apparently he found it from the shelf. I never would have imagined that it would be the basis for the next movie.

Q: So you were immediately attracted to it?

Shyamalan: I opened the book and was drawn in from the opening sequence. It's very provocative, and you'll find yourself getting hooked as the story progresses. On a certain beach, time just moves faster. What is actually happening? That was the concept that dominated my mind.

Discover a new self with a photoshoot on the beach