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How Does Shyamalan Present Personal Conflict In Sign M Night

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In his sci-fi drama Signs, M. Night Shyamalan demonstrates personal spiritual development alongside the thrilling occurrence of an alien invasion. Using parallel storylines, Shyamalan presents the journey of the Hess family, while the reoccurring theme of coincidence vs. destiny serves as a guide to test one man's faith in God. By addressing a religious tone in accordance with the presence of the aliens, the director establishes a relationship between contrasting philosophies.
Family issues are apparent throughout this film, and Shyamalan presents personal conflict in a way that develops tension from multiple perspectives. Prominently, the movie uses Colleen's accident as a dividing line between Graham and Morgan, by bringing upon many …show more content…

From the beginning, a sense of detachment from religious belief is presented and is carried throughout the film. The director strategically places religious points of interest throughout the film to give the viewer insight, and this use of symbolism establishes a storyline that is interwoven with the family issues. Examples of such points include: the missing cross on the wall in the introduction and the large cross in the "God's Perspective" shot, as well as the numerous times that community members call Graham "father." This presentation of religious conflict creates a rift between multiple sets of people: not only are there feelings of resentment between Morgan and Graham, but they're also apparent between Graham and God. There are specific instances where identical behaviors can be observed; for example, the feelings of resentment due to the loss of Colleen, as well as the placement of blame and guilt. These specific oppositions are important because not only do they establish the main basis of the overall storyline, but they also bring upon the argument that without the tension and issues, the Hess family would've never

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