M. Night Shyamalan Interview: Trap and His Next Movie

If there's one filmmaker who's going to keep audiences on their toes, it's Oscar-nominee M. Night Shyamalan. Though he's dabbled in many genres, most of his movies share a sense of mystery—whether in dread or fantasy—and his upcoming horror thriller Trap is no different. Working off an original script in collaboration with his eldest daughter and singer-songwriter Saleka, Shyamalan draws inspiration for this next feature from iconic films from the '80s and '90s and taps into the sold-out stadium experience of musical artists dominating the charts today.

Trap stars Josh Hartnett as Cooper, one of those dads who brave hordes of screaming fans to accompany their kids to a packed concert. While attending a massive show for his daughter Riley's (Ariel Donoghue) favorite popstar, Lady Raven (Saleka), Cooper discovers this concert isn't any ordinary event—the FBI has set a trap for a notorious serial killer known as The Butcher.

In this interview with Collider's Steve Weintraub, Shyamalan discusses setting up tricky shots like oners and his approach to storytelling. He talks about working with his daughter, who wrote 14 original tracks for the movie, why he enjoyed writing Hartnett's unique character, the movies that inspired Trap, and teases the script he's currently working on.

#Trap #mnightshyamalan #JoshHartnett

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[LoganScottY]

I may not love most of his recent films but I massively appreciate that he is constantly pushing out ORIGINAL films.

[iswearimcreativeproduction]

Would love to see what an M Night R rated Slasher would look like.

[Andrew-Antioch-Kim]

Trap is a bit of a "slow burn" but I still enjoyed it more towards the end.

[benrosn]

M night Shyamalan is one of my top, favorite and most exciting directors. I think of our generation honestly such an awesome surprising filmmaker, who just totally nails, a great film.

[miguelfmyers]

Love the Kendrick lamar shoutout. Excited to see this film. Very nice interview

[TheConstructiveCritic]

“I would say, please consider the directing panel.”

“… See ya, brother.”

[LukeLovesRose]

At least hes not regurgitating the same s**t every time like these superhero movies

[kuakilyissombroguwi]

Actually liked Trap, it's not as bad as reviewers are making it out to be. The only bad thing in it imo is his daughter's acting in the third act. Giving her so many lines and all that focus was for sure a mistake.

[crystinamarie]

I really like M. Night. I still think the Sixth Sense was his best work. The movie wasn't totally flawless and perfect but it did keep me on the edge of my seat, shock me and make me want a part 2 of the story. I still had a great time seeing this and man, Hartnett was excellent. This had to be difficult to film. And I liked that he wove a musical concert in the background of this thriller. The idea was really cool. I feel like this is one of those movies that has hidden elements and deeper meaning to it, so it deserves multiple watches.

[TBake]

Why does the interviewer say do you know what I mean on every question

[jaredbond]

Wow, FASCINATING insight into his filmmaking process! I would've really thought he'd already be thinking about shots when he's writing.... I mean, a lot of times, movie concepts BEGIN with just shots in a writer/director's head - like Lucas with the original Star Wars. I've even thought that creators might start by imagining the trailer for the movie!

[kingofswing]

Trap really had every chance to be up there with 6th Sense, Unbreakable, Signs. And Josh is great. But a dozen jarring (very Shyamalan) dialogue, direction, (not funny) comedic choices puts it behind The Village and more in The Visit, Lady in the Water, Knock at the Cabin category. It's not nearly as bad as Old or godawful as The Happening or Glass. And I liked it a heck of a lot more than Split. But it's a shame that Night is like George Lucas. He writes, directs, produces AND finances. And that power leads to pretension and ego and not enough constructive criticism. Like: "Your daughter is a fine performer but not an actress. Cast an actress that can sing and just have your daughter write the music."

[timhensley]

I gotta say Blair Witch was my fav. Totally blew my mind. Havent seen a horror movie so different so fresh so mind blowing in my whole life. Truly unique.

[JosephSchwarzkopf-mk]

Yeah, his movies truly are escapes from reality, more than most other directors. I really-respect the way that he shamelessly promoted his daughter and her musical talent with Trap. No one can honestly say that this is ALL 100% nepotism. She DOES have singing talent. This movie just brought a lot more publicity to what has already been there for a few years now.

[mike]

M.Night you are amazing at everything You do so grateful that we get to enjoy your vision and hard work you put in to making a film. I'm not a huge fan on sequel's but Trap 2 most definitely can't wait for your next one!

[samalex]

Josh was great. I love M Nights films. . BUT THIS MOVIE SUCKED

[joshuamorrison]

His NEXT movie!!?!? What? Someone stop him! How does this guy make train wreck after train wreck and still get his movies funded?

[indauroleal]

You mean "Trash" and his next trash movie 😂