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This article includes spoilers for the film “Signs.”
To me, “Signs” represents the pinnacle of M. Night Shyamalan’s filmmaking journey, a journey that has only become more fascinating with the passage of time. Prior to the launch of “Signs” in 2002, Shyamalan had already showcased his prowess as a rising filmmaker with “The Sixth Sense” and “Unbreakable” — two films that continue to maintain their popularity — but it was “Signs” that truly solidified his capacity to stun, captivate and entertain. The public conversation regarding “Signs” frequently focuses on its final plot twist, but the movie is more than just that; it provides an in-depth examination of fear and anxiety that culminates in a potential end-of-the-world scenario.
Shyamalan infuses the alien invasion plot with a compassionate focus on the Hess family, providing us a front-row seat to their doubts, struggles, and crises as the story progresses towards its climax. Graham (Mel Gibson), a pastor grappling with his faith following his wife’s demise, is barely holding it together, let alone providing for his children Morgan (Rory Culkin) and Bo (Abigail Breslin). The children’s uncle, Merrill (Joaquin Phoenix), steps in to support the family and assist them in dealing with their loss, providing a semblance of relief. However, portents of impending doom start to appear in the form of mysterious crop circles and global reports of unusual occurrences. Can faith, or its absence, aid a normal family to survive, particularly when they are already in mourning?
“Signs” responds to this query in a simple yet touching manner, weaving the theme of faith restoration through miracles, without feeling forced or pretentious. Naturally, the responsibility of delivering such a neat, cathartic conclusion rested on the main cast, particularly Gibson and Phoenix, whose characters bear the burden of maneuvering through an impossible situation for the sake of the children. And they do so, quite remarkably.
Interestingly, before Gibson accepted the role of Graham, two well-known actors had turned it down. Here’s the full story.
Shyamalan’s Initial Plan: An Older Actor as Graham Hess in Signs
Buena Vista Pictures Distribution
Shyamalan’s original vision was for Graham Hess to be an elderly man wrestling with his faith — a character whose internal struggle between hopeful faith and practical realism would be mirrored in his “haunted eyes,” as the director described it in a 2001 interview with Ain’t It Cool News. Shyamalan had earmarked Clint Eastwood for the role, an actor known for his portrayal of slightly distant, intricately complex characters with a hidden vulnerability. However, Eastwood had taken a break from acting at the time, leading to the role not materializing for him. Subsequently, Paul Newman, Shyamalan’s second choice for the role, turned it down due to a lack of interest.
Following Gibson’s appointment, Shyamalan decided to revise the character of Graham, making him 20 years younger and transforming the source of his sorrow and anger significantly. He was now a middle-aged clergyman experiencing an intense crisis of faith. Yet, Graham can’t escape his association with the church or divinity; people continue to address him as “Father,” and even his attempts to console his children result in an unplanned encounter with the person who accidentally killed his wife (played by Shyamalan himself). Coupled with the rising tension around an impending alien invasion, this contributes to the portrayal of a parental figure who is both composed and devastated — someone who is desperately trying (and failing) to meet expectations. Gibson flawlessly captures this dual sentiment, oscillating between grim acceptance and desperate hope.
In a key scene, Graham proclaims, “There is no one watching us, Merrill. We are all alone,” a sentiment that feels almost real when the Hesses are cornered and forced to combat the aliens with whatever resources they have at home. However, after Merrill takes a swing with his bat and saves Morgan’s life in a manner that Graham attributes to divine intervention, he undergoes a transformation. Despite his lingering grief, his eyes lose their haunted look.
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