MovieChat Forums > Signs (2002) Discussion > Trivial things like plot holes don't mak...

Trivial things like plot holes don't make a film bad

posted 8 years ago by sackofwhine
5 replies | jump to latest

Signs is an all together very well made film. From directing and acting to cinematography and music, its all top noch. And these are the things movies will be remembered for, not whether or not a certain plot point made sense. A piece of art should not be deconstructed in a thousand pieces, rather it should be examined as an entire creation.

Its by no means a perfect film but it archieves what it sets out to do. Its highly engrossing, thrilling and has an emotional punch. Its shot perfectly and has a fantastic atmosphere. Signs highlights great aesthetics and I can only praise it for that.

[–] 8 years ago

[deleted]

[–] ringbearer 8 years ago

Spoilers

Yeah, I agree, Signs did a very good job achieving atmosphere, and establishing good old fashioned terror of the unknown. I think it's only flaw is the reveal of the "monster" at the end. True terror, in my opinion, is in the things we can't see, our of the unknown. A majority of the film's scare factor was the anticipation of attack, sounds, invisible enemies, etc. Regardless, I can still watch this over and over.

The movie does have "plot holes", but with this particular movie, I think people are just overly critical. I do have to disagree with the idea that plot holes are "trivial". I mean, some movies, the holes are so big the movie fails to even make any kind of cohesive story line. It's hard to ignore. But with Signs? C'mon. Can't people just sit back and enjoy a movie for what it is? Maybe I'm just easily entertained.

[–] sackofwhine 8 years ago

Of course, a movie which makes no effort in bringing the audience in because its plot makes no sense and goes nowhere is by all means a bad film. But good direction can still turn a mediocre story into an engrossing film.

Signs is not groundbreaking but the intentions behind it were clear which is why in my opinion its a genuine mystery scify film.

[–] Skoivu16 8 years ago

Emotional punch? No, its ridiculous 'things happen for a reason' theme is incredibly stupid.

[–] danielassao 7 years ago

Let's see...... no plot, flat characters one cannot relate to, a terrible performance by the lead (Gibson).... it's all contrived and unconvincing, not to mention the night-long siege on the family cellar and all the other numerous plot-holes: Why hover over all major cities in force if your aim is a raid 'n snatch? How could they have failed to break into a family home, something a few teenagers with crowbars would have accomplished easily? There is nothing in this film but this atmosphere you speak of.