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Glass (2019)

Detailed Summary

Introduction: The Return of David Dunn and Kevin Wendell Crumb

“Glass” opens with David Dunn (Bruce Willis), now known as the vigilante “The Overseer,” continuing his fight against crime using his superhuman abilities. He crosses paths with Kevin Wendell Crumb (James McAvoy), who has multiple personalities, including the dangerous “Beast.” David sets out to stop Kevin after he kidnaps a group of cheerleaders.

The Psychiatric Facility: Meeting Dr. Ellie Staple

David and Kevin are both captured and taken to a psychiatric facility where they are held alongside Elijah Price, aka Mr. Glass (Samuel L. Jackson), the mastermind with brittle bones but a brilliant mind. Dr. Ellie Staple (Sarah Paulson), a psychiatrist, attempts to convince them that their superhuman abilities are delusions.

Mr. Glass’s Plan Unfolds

Elijah, secretly manipulating the situation, believes that Kevin and David are real-life superheroes and villains. He orchestrates a plan to reveal their abilities to the world, using the psychiatric facility as the stage for an epic confrontation.

The Showdown

The climax of the film occurs outside the psychiatric facility, where David and Kevin engage in a brutal fight, showcasing their abilities. Mr. Glass reveals that his true plan was to expose the existence of superhumans to the world, not just to create a spectacle.

The Tragic Conclusion

As the fight intensifies, all three main characters meet tragic ends: David is drowned by a security guard, Kevin is fatally shot, and Elijah is mortally wounded. However, Elijah’s plan succeeds, as footage of the fight is released to the public, revealing the existence of superhumans.

Movie Ending

The film ends on a bittersweet note. Though the main characters die, Elijah’s goal of revealing the truth about superhumans is achieved. His mother, along with David’s son and Kevin’s last remaining personality, ensure that the footage reaches the public, changing the world’s understanding of reality.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, “Glass” does not feature any post-credits scenes. The story concludes with the revelation at the end.

Type of Movie

“Glass” is a psychological thriller and superhero drama, blending elements of suspense, action, and the exploration of the human psyche.

Cast

  • Bruce Willis as David Dunn / The Overseer
  • Samuel L. Jackson as Elijah Price / Mr. Glass
  • James McAvoy as Kevin Wendell Crumb / The Horde
  • Sarah Paulson as Dr. Ellie Staple
  • Anya Taylor-Joy as Casey Cooke
  • Spencer Treat Clark as Joseph Dunn
  • Charlayne Woodard as Mrs. Price

Film Music and Composer

West Dylan Thordson, who also composed the score for “Split,” created the music for “Glass.” The score plays a crucial role in enhancing the film’s suspense and emotional intensity, blending themes from both “Unbreakable” and “Split.”

Filming Locations

  • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Most of the film was shot in and around Philadelphia, which has been a recurring setting in M. Night Shyamalan’s films. The psychiatric facility and various urban landscapes of Philadelphia serve as key backdrops.

Awards and Nominations

While “Glass” did not receive major awards or nominations, it did generate attention for its unique approach to the superhero genre and the performances of its lead actors, especially James McAvoy.

Behind the Scenes Insights

  • James McAvoy gained significant muscle mass to portray “The Beast,” one of Kevin’s personalities.
  • M. Night Shyamalan financed the film himself, maintaining creative control over the project.
  • The film’s sequential shooting allowed the actors to naturally develop their performances, a method rarely used in movies.

Inspirations and References

  • Previous Films: “Glass” is the final installment in a trilogy that includes “Unbreakable” (2000) and “Split” (2016).
  • Comic Books: The film heavily references comic book tropes, examining the idea of superheroes and villains existing in the real world.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

The original script included more detailed scenes that explored Dr. Ellie Staple’s backstory, but these were removed to streamline the narrative. No widely known alternate endings exist.

Book Adaptations and Differences

“Glass” isn’t adapted from a book; instead, it brings together the stories from “Unbreakable” and “Split.” The film concludes the themes and character journeys introduced in these earlier movies.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

  • David vs. The Beast: The intense showdown outside the psychiatric facility.
  • Elijah’s Revelation: The moment Mr. Glass reveals his true plan to expose superhumans to the world.
  • The Final Scene: The release of the footage showing superhuman abilities, changing public perception.

Iconic Quotes

  • “I’m not a mistake. It all makes sense.” – Elijah Price
  • “This is not a cartoon. This is the real world.” – Dr. Ellie Staple
  • “They always underestimate the mastermind.” – Elijah Price

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

  • The colors associated with each character—green for David, purple for Elijah, and yellow for Kevin—are consistent throughout the trilogy, symbolizing their identities.
  • The number “177” on David’s cell door is a nod to the Unbreakable comic series.

Trivia

  • The film was made on a modest budget of $20 million but grossed over $246 million worldwide.
  • Samuel L. Jackson’s character, Mr. Glass, was inspired by comic book villains like Lex Luthor.
  • The trilogy took nearly 19 years to complete, starting with “Unbreakable” in 2000.

Why Watch?

“Glass” is a must-watch for fans of M. Night Shyamalan’s work and those who enjoy a more cerebral take on the superhero genre. The film challenges conventional superhero narratives and offers a unique blend of suspense, action, and psychological drama.

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