I've enjoyed all of his films but I've also noticed a steady drop, he started out with a bang, and ever since his films have been dropping into the average market.

Maybe his next film will bring it all back, I'm pulling for him because I think one more film considered average he just may be done in Hollywood for about 10 years in the future.

Disney pulled their funding with Night's Lady in the Water over "creative differences" even though Disney has backed all his other features. So, I think everyone else has noticed a drop.

He'll find another place, there are too many companies making to many terrible films that whether or not M Night is losing it they'll give him some money or he could always do what Mel Gibson did... Use his own money and make his film, than once completed he can get somebody to release it in theatre or on dvd.

With all the hatred the online community shows these guys, it's not at all shocking that probably most stay away from message boards about them.

I haven't seen Signs yet, but I am a big fan of the other three. They are all very touching (The Sixth Sense and The Village in particular), and never fail to get an emotional response from me. There are just so many layers and meanings to Night's stories and characters. He is somewhat of an idol for me now.

I don't understand why everyone expects horror from him. The Sixth Sense was yes (but also so much more), and I guess Signs sort of is, but Unbreakable isn't a horror in any shape, way or form. I know it was poor advertising that made The Village out to be something it wasn't, but it's not like it was his FIRST deviation from the horror genre. Since The Sixth Sense, there has always been a twist in his films. However, one thing that it is so great about him is that he is never constrained by genre conventions. None of his films can be placed into one specific genre. The Village for example had many horror/thriller/mystery&suspense elements to it, but it also largely a drama and a romance, as well as a social commentary. I think it is a very accomplished piece of work, and it frustrates me that some people can't appreciate it because they wanted to be scared by it. In fact, I WAS scared by it on a couple of occasions. When the "creature" came and Ivy wouldn't close the door until Lucius came, I was wetting myself lol. Very suspenseful, and James Newton Howard's score (his best yet in a Night film - another reason to love The Village!) complimented it (and all the other scenes) perfectly. It sent shivers down my spine. I can't wait for his next film!

The soundtrack was brilliant. And Night is an idol for me too .. the Village, as you said, Ian, was a lot more than monsters in the woods or lack thereof, it had a lot of other elements.