Bruce Willis has long been recognized as one of Hollywood's most iconic action stars, yet his career has seen substantial shifts over the decades. At the 2021 Comedy Central Roast of Bruce Willis, host Joseph Gordon-Levitt delivered this classic quip: "I loved 'The Sixth Sense.' It's a great movie. And the ending, I did not see the twist coming ... At the end of 'The Sixth Sense,' Bruce goes back to making sh***y movies." This roast captures the sentiment surrounding Willis's filmography since the late 1990s, where the landmark film seemed to eclipse his later projects.
Most film enthusiasts and critics acknowledge 'The Sixth Sense' as one of Bruce Willis's high-water marks. Released in 1999, the film was the brainchild of M. Night Shyamalan, earning itself phenomenal acclaim and cultural impact. Notably, it holds an IMDb rating of 8.2, ranking it 144th among the site's top 250 films. The eerie storytelling and the unforgettable phrase, "I see dead people," propelled the film’s popularity and made it even more significant to pop culture.
Yet, this cinematic jewel introduced expectations for both Willis and Shyamalan’s future projects. From then on, Shyamalan's films were often placed under the shadow of 'The Sixth Sense,' with many falling short of meeting those lofty standards. The film also established Willis's archetype as the tortured protagonist, limiting the roles offered to him as filmmakers sought to replicate his earlier success.
Despite this, Willis did manage to deliver engaging performances beyond 'The Sixth Sense'. Films like 'Lucky Number Slevin' and 'Moonrise Kingdom' showcased his talent, yet they lacked the same level of acclaim. Many critics argue the pop culture phenomenon of 'The Sixth Sense' was so monumental, it made it difficult for the actor to evolve his career the way he desired.
Interestingly, when discussing Willis's filmography, another title rises to the top: 'Pulp Fiction.' Although Willis doesn't play the titular character, his role as Butch is pivotal to the film's storyline and resolution. Not only does he deliver some of the most memorable moments, but his character also embodies the moral struggle central to the narrative. The film, directed by Quentin Tarantino, was met with stellar reviews and boasted an IMDb rating of 8.9, making it the highest-rated movie associated with Willis.
Even though Willis’s part might be viewed as smaller compared to other iconic characters, his performance has received praise for depth and complexity. The ironic twist is how Willis's star power contributed significantly to the film’s box office success during its release, pairing the allure of his name with Tarantino's masterful storytelling.
Of course, one cannot forget about the film 'Die Hard.' Released in 1988, it laid the groundwork for Willis's stardom. Despite its IMDb rating of 8.2 and being 117th overall on the ranking, many fans and critics alike view it as the definitive Bruce Willis movie. His portrayal of NYPD officer John McClane introduced audiences to his character’s blend of vulnerability and resourcefulness, and it remains admired for its thrilling sequences and iconic villain played by Alan Rickman.
The juxtaposition between Gruber’s cold, calculated villainy and McClane’s everyman persona kept audiences enthralled throughout the film, lending to its reputation. Intriguingly, Willis was initially not the first pick for McClane, serving as something of a last resort for the production team, but his talented performance turned what could have been just another action flick at the time, helping to solidify the action genre as indispensable.
Overall, Bruce Willis's film career is remarkable when viewed through the lens of these three pivotal films. 'The Sixth Sense,' 'Pulp Fiction,' and 'Die Hard' are all considered monumental works with varying degrees of influence and success. Each film not only helped turn him from television star to movie A-lister but also continues to resonate today, symbolizing the highs and lows of his film career.
Though some may argue Willis's later years haven't showcased films on par with his earlier classics, the legacy of his iconic performances lives on. With countless pop culture references and homage, he remains embedded within Hollywood’s fabric. There's no doubt Bruce Willis has had his hits and misses, but who could forget the incredible thrill he brought to the screen during his prime?
