Twenty years after "The Sixth Sense" captivated audiences, Donnie Wahlberg reveals the intense preparation he underwent to portray the pivotal role of Vincent Gray. This article delves into the actor's commitment to the character, exploring the physical and emotional depths he plumbed to bring Gray's tormented soul to life.
From Boyband to Breakthrough: Wahlberg's Dramatic Shift
Before landing the role in M. Night Shyamalan's thriller, Wahlberg was primarily known as a member of the boy band New Kids on the Block. Transitioning from pop music to dramatic acting, he recognized the significance of the Vincent Gray character. Gray, a former patient of psychiatrist Dr. Malcolm Crowe (Bruce Willis), appears in the film's opening scene, shooting Crowe before taking his own life. This sets a dark and unsettling tone for the rest of the film. Wahlberg understood that this role was a "game changer" and required him to delve into "a really dark place."
Embracing the Darkness: Wahlberg's Method Approach
Wahlberg described reading the script for the very first time, recalling "totally crying on the plane," but thought no part was suitable for him, as he was too old and well-built. "Nothing about me was right for the part, except for my total enthusiasm for the script," he confessed.
To fully embody Vincent Gray, Wahlberg employed a method acting approach, immersing himself in the character's despair and isolation. He isolated himself from his then-wife, Kimberly Fey, and their two children, retreating to a remote apartment in New York City. He cut off his life to get ready for the role.
Physical Transformation: A Grueling Regimen
Wahlberg's commitment extended to a drastic physical transformation. The actor, then 28, dropped 43 pounds for the role. "I starved myself," he explained. "I would fast for two days then only eat steamed cabbage and drink beet juice. I would chew gum all day and I would literally walk around the streets to burn thousands of calories. I didn’t shower for weeks."
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This self-imposed deprivation was a deliberate attempt to mirror Gray's suffering and create a believable portrayal of a man consumed by inner turmoil. "I just wasn’t taking care of myself and I was a loner," Wahlberg said. "That was as close as I could come to this guy. I definitely had to suffer in the only way I could."
Unrecognizable on Set: The Impact of Immersion
The actor's transformation was so profound that even Shyamalan didn't recognize him when he arrived on set. Wahlberg later added, "I was so hungry. I was depressed. I cut off my life to get ready for the role." This illustrates the extent to which Wahlberg had physically and emotionally transformed himself into Vincent Gray.
Wardrobe of Despair: The Final Touches
Wahlberg even meticulously crafted Gray's wardrobe, focusing on a single, unsettling detail: a soiled pair of underwear. "I asked to make [the underwear] look like I hadn’t changed them in, like, two years," Wahlberg says. "They soiled them up. That became the wardrobe." This detail further emphasized Gray's neglect and descent into madness.
The Intensity of the Scene: A Lasting Impact
Upon filming the scene's first take, Wahlberg was instructed to cut before Gray points the gun to his head, but the actor, in the heat of the moment, remarkably performed the entire scene perfectly.
The intensity of Wahlberg's performance resonated with his co-stars and the director. "I fell on the floor, and I remember Bruce was like, 'Whoa!' and I was bawling my eyes out. M. Night came running over and was hugging me. He was like, 'That was so unbelievable.'"
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Despite the emotional toll, Wahlberg successfully completed the day of filming. To this day, he said he has never encountered a role as intense as Gray.
A Career Defining Moment: Wahlberg's Legacy
"The Sixth Sense" became a critical and commercial success, solidifying Shyamalan's reputation as a visionary director and earning six Academy Award nominations. For Wahlberg, the role of Vincent Gray marked a turning point in his career, demonstrating his range and commitment as an actor.
"The movie is such a great source of pride for me. Not just my work but to be part of that group," said Wahlberg of the now-iconic film. "Everyone brought it so hard for that movie."
Beyond the Screen: Unveiling Secrets of "The Sixth Sense"
The making of "The Sixth Sense" was filled with intriguing details and decisions that contributed to its success.
Casting Choices and Initial Doubts
- M. Night Shyamalan's script was highly sought after, with a $1 million minimum bid requirement. David Vogel, then-president of production of The Walt Disney Studios, acquired the rights for $2.25 million without corporate approval to avoid a bidding war.
- Disney initially had reservations about the film and sold production rights to Spyglass Entertainment, retaining only distribution rights and a small percentage of the box office receipts.
- Michael Cera auditioned for the role of Cole, but his interpretation of an emotional scene was far from the intended tone.
- Marisa Tomei was also considered for a role.
On-Set Secrets and Symbolism
- Bruce Willis, being left-handed, learned to write with his right hand to conceal the absence of his wedding band and maintain the mystery surrounding his character.
- Willis's wardrobe remained consistent throughout the film, subtly hinting at his character's fate.
- The color red was intentionally used sparingly to symbolize elements "tainted by the other world" and highlight emotionally charged moments.
- To create the effect of Cole's visible breath when ghosts were present, the sets were chilled to below-freezing temperatures.
- The filming location, featuring long, empty marble hallways, contributed to the film's eerie atmosphere.
Behind-the-Scenes Anecdotes
- Shyamalan recounted how Bruce Willis introduced him to partying and gave him his first hangover.
- Mischa Barton's younger sister had a strong reaction during an ADR session.
- Toni Collette wore a wig throughout the film, borrowed from the movie "Velvet Goldmine."
- Olivia Williams experienced unsettling occurrences in her hotel room during filming, such as waking up to repeating numbers on the clock.
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