The Importance of Colors in "The Sixth Sense"

    

    Red is the classic mystery and thriller color—standoffish, bright, noticeable. There is, of course, a difference between a motif of red in terms of blood (The Sixth Sense is rather gory) and the motif of red in respect to all facets of the movie. In this case, the color symbolizes death as it surrounds the protagonist of the film. In the scene of Kyra Collins' funeral, the color of red swallows her image of purity and innocence as a child "gone too soon" in the form of her mother and other elements of the funeral such as the flowers located around their house. 

    Similarly, costuming is important in this movie and my attention was drawn specifically to the costuming of the Collins family—Kyra and Mrs. Collins' in particular. The contrast between their wardrobes in both color and style is stark, despite the obvious factor of age. The soft nature of Kyra's character is exemplified by light, airy pajamas and Mrs. Collins is captured in perfectly tailored, sort-of sharp-edged clothing that denotes her very narrow intentions and goals—to gain attention for being the "perfect" mother (turned murderer).