I have enjoyed every movie I have ever seen with this man's name attached to it. I first heard of him while I was in college. Now, normally, I do not watch a movie or buy products based on the names attached to them (be they brand names, or celebrity advocates/advertisers). I just figure, when something is good it's good. If I don't enjoy it, I don't enjoy it. But while I was in school a couple of people pointed him out like, "this guy is a really good producer! and he's from India!" (of course, they were Indian...at least the main person that was advocating him was...anyway...)

My point is, this guy is good. His real name is Manoj Nelliyattu Shyamalan. He's a native of India. He probably changed his name for simplicity. He's a writer and producer. His work is a great deviation from Bollywood films which his native Indians are known for. There is no singing, or traditional Indian themes. This is because he works out of Hollywood, and he is quite good. I even dare to compare him to Steven Spielberg. I think he specializes in thrillers though. I think most of his movies have been box office hits, so you may even be familiar with the movie even if you don't know his name. Some of his films include:

• Praying with Anger
• Wide Awake
• The Sixth Sense
• Signs
• The Village
• Lady in the Water

His next film is soon to be released. The Happening looks interesting. I look forward to seeing it. From the trailers, it seems to have the same air of mystery and suspense as Signs and The Village. I especially enjoyed The Village. I thought that one was really thought-provoking.