Swing Away: Joaquin Phoenix’s Character in Signs is Perfect Metaphor for Shyamalan Filmmaking
InSigns, directed by M. Night Shyamalan and released in 2002, Joaquin Phoenix plays Merrill Hess. He’s the younger brother of the film’s main protagonist (Graham Hess played by Mel Gibson) and uncle to Morgan and Bo Hess (played by Rory Culkin and Abigail Breslin respectively). He’s not the main character inSigns, but he is a key family member at the center of an apocalyptic nightmare. And even though he’s an unassuming country boy who works a blue-collar job, he’s also a world record holder....