The late 1990s was a golden era for cinema, quite literally. Some of the most famous cult classics, across different genres, were made around the same time. From Scream to Fight Club to Pulp Fiction, it was truly an era when cinema was at its creative high. Among these was the psychological thriller The Sixth Sense, which not only stunned the audiences but introduced an unforgettable twist that remains one of the most iconic in the entire history of the film industry.
Written and directed by the supernatural-enthusiast M. Night Shyamalan, the film starred yesteryear’s fan-favorite action star Bruce Willis in the lead. An unexpected cultural phenomenon, it didn’t just solidify Shyamalan’s reputation as a master of suspense but also showed the acting range and talent of Willis, proving that despite his ‘action hero’ persona, he can excel in any and every role.
But praise and acclaim wasn’t the only thing that the Die Hard star received, for behind the scenes the actor made such a hefty paycheck that it might very well be the highest ever earned by any actor in the history of Hollywood.
The actor’s overall earnings from the film, which defied all expectations, is now no less than a legend that continues to inspire awe and shock among fans and cinematics. Although his initial salary was significantly high, it was really the backend and profits that turned his payday into one of the most lucrative ones in Hollywood, one that some actors can only dream of even today.
How Much Did Bruce Willis Earn from The Sixth Sense?
Ever since he first stepped into the world called Hollywood, Bruce Willis has shocked, surprised, entertained, and delighted the audience with his acting genius. Having earned a repute as a leading action hero, his roles across other genres are no less entertaining but equally brilliant to watch. And M. Night Shyamalan‘s The Sixth Sense was one film that showed us the range of Willis’ talent and versatility.
While the psychological thriller went on to become a hit, commercially and critically, it is also now a cult classic. Earning widespread acclaim for his acting talent, the film not only elevated Willis as an actor worthy of commendation but also made him one of the highest-paid actors of all time. According to the book George Lucas’s Blockbusting: A Decade-by-decade Survey of Timeless Movies including Untold Secrets of Their Financial and Cultural Success, the actor was reportedly paid about $114 million for the film.
The Sixth Sense was made against a meager budget of $40 million, but when it came to its box office collection, it ended up making $672 million worldwide (via Box Office Mojo). Willis, who earned an upfront salary of $14 million for the film, benefited greatly from its brilliant success at the box office. The extra money that he made from the film was due to backends and a very generous cut from the film’s total gross.
As of now, the highest paycheck earned by an actor is $156 million, which Keanu Reeves received over the two Matrix movies (via George Lucas’s Blockbusting). Given how Reeves’ top-earning paycheck was due to ‘two’ films, it is safe to say that Bruce Willis is the number one actor to have earned the highest paycheck in the history of Hollywood.
What was The Sixth Sense About?
Just like most of M. Night Shyamalan’s movies, The Sixth Sense is a film set in the world of horror. A deeply emotional and spine-chilling psychological film that explores the themes of trauma, loss, and redemption, it is a narrative that is sure to leave the audience breathless. An unforgettable piece of cinematic history, the 1999 film centers around Bruce Willis’ Dr. Malcolm Crowe.
Dr. Malcolm Crowe is a very respected and revered child psychologist, who one day is accused of not helping a former patient. The patient, Vincent Grey (portrayed by Donnie Wahlberg) breaks into his home and shoots him and later himself. The incident not only leaves Crowe shaken but also destroys his marital bliss, leaving his wife Anna (portrayed by Olivia Williams) in pieces. In search of redemption, Crowe comes in contact with a young boy named Cole Sear (portrayed by Haley Joel Osment).
Cole is a shy and introverted child who is terribly bullied and feels isolated from everyone. Later on, the young boy discloses his dark secret to Crowe, revealing that he can see and communicate with dead people. Although, at first, the child psychologist believes Cole is just schizophrenic and decides to drop him as a patient, an audiotape of Vincent finally convinces him that the young boy is telling the truth.
Crowe and Cole begin to work together, helping some dead people in the process. As the movie progresses, not only does their relationship evolve into a guide and student one instead of a doctor and patient one but Crowe also begins to uncover deeper truths about himself. And by the end, the film delivers a twist so unexpected and profound that it pretty much redefined the audience’s understanding of the whole film.
What Made The Sixth Sense So Successful?
Bruce Willis’ The Sixth Sense was ranked 50th, in 2013, on the Writers Guild of America‘s 101 Greatest Screenplays Ever Written. What sets the film apart from other films, within and outside of its genre, is its ability to blend supernatural elements with genuine human emotion. From the film’s pacing to its atmospheric tension and the brilliant performances of its cast, the world of M. Night Shyamalan’s thriller feels grounded despite its unsettling setting.
A film that masterfully balances all its different elements of suspense, emotionality, and the supernatural, at its heart, The Sixth Sense is ultimately a narrative that resonates with viewers on a personal level. Its iconic plot, meticulously carried out and crafted by the filmmaker, not only makes it different from conventional thrillers but also makes it a compelling storytelling masterpiece.
The film also stands out in terms of its acting talent. The child actor, Haley Joel Osment was nothing short of extraordinary as Cole Sear. At such a young age, he delivered the iconic line—I see dead people, with a perfect balance of vulnerability, fear, and wisdom, forever making it one of the most quoted lines in popular culture. Moreover, Willis, who was primarily known for his action-hero-type roles, delivered an intense performance as Dr. Malcolm Crowe, showcasing his unparalleled range.
Ultimately, The Sixth Sense is more than just a supernatural thriller about seeing ghosts, it is, at its core, a story about human connection, healing, and the need for numan closure. Its emotional arcs, exploration of grief, and theme of redemption will forever resonate with the audiences, transcending the film from the horror genre.
The Sixth Sense is available to be streamed on Max.
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