NEW YORK, Aug. 1 (UPI) -- Puerto Rican actor Joaquin Phoenix says he knew he wanted to work with M. Night Shyamalan the first time he saw "The Sixth Sense."
Phoenix, who has since starred in Shyamalan's suspense dramas "Signs" and "The Village," says he missed "The Sixth Sense" when it was in theaters because he was filming in "Gladiator."
He said he watched it on video and immediately knew it was the kind of movie in which he'd like to act. Shyamalan has patience and as a director he has a rhythm, Phoenix said.
"He really allows a scene to breathe, and it seems that he's as interested in the process as arriving at the point of the scene," he said.
"I think he enjoys the process of getting there as much as anything. And that's what I really like about acting, the opportunity to solve a problem. If you have the answer, you don't have to worry.
"The Village" is in theaters now.
