Marvel comics maven Brian Michael Bendis wondered if -- in light of recent headlines -- Signs was cursed. And seriously, between the critical drubbing of The Last Airbender and the latest allegations of racism levied against Mel Gibson, all that was missing from yesterday's news cycle was a story about Joaquin Phoenix falling asleep on David Letterman's front lawn while wearing a chicken suit. What happened here? Will the 2002 blockbuster go down in history alongside Diff'rent Strokes and the Curse of the Billy Goat as a creepy ghost story of coincidence? Ahead, Movieline throws some garlic around its neck and investigates.
· Mel Gibson
Before: In the ten years prior to Signs, Gibson had six $100 million grossers and won a couple of Oscars for Braveheart. Signs was his biggest theatrical hit as a leading man. A larger box office star could not be found.
After: Gibson courted box office success -- and much controversy -- as a director with The Passion of the Christ. But then: "Sugar t*ts." Followed now by some crazy, Viking-like allegations about threatening to burn down houses and force oral sex. Not to mention the racism. That The Beaver would be only his second starring role since Signs came out should tell you something.
Is he cursed: Yes. Either that or Gibson has some sort of benign tumor pushing down on his frontal lobe which causes insane behavior.
· Joaquin Phoenix
Before: Fresh off box office glory and an Oscar nomination for Gladiator, Phoenix's work in Signs pointed toward a career of both great performances and choices.
After: There was much praise for Walk the Line -- and not much praise for The Village. More recently, of course, he tried to become a rap star and got pooped on.
Is he cursed: Debatable. Phoenix's run of glory, post-Signs, was quite impressive. Even with The Village hanging around his neck like a noose.
· M. Night Shyamalan
Before: Shyamalan shot to fame with The Sixth Sense, took a slight detour with Unbreakable and then hit another home run with Signs. Say hello to the next Steven Spielberg!
After: Say hello to the next Joe Johnston! Since Signs, Manoj's work has followed the laws of diminishing returns. The Village, The Happening and The Last Airbender are three of the more reviled films of the last decade.
Is he cursed: Yes. Whatever deal he made with the devil during The Sixth Sense years has come back with a vengeance.
Final Verdict: Signs isn't Diff'rent Strokes... yet. But don't be totally surprised if you read on Monday that Abigail Breslin burned her hand with a firecracker over the holiday.