The Usual Suspects

UK Release Date: 25 August 1995

Certification: 18

Director: Bryan Singer

Cast: Suzy Amis, Stephen Baldwin, Gabriel Byrne, Chaz Palminteri, Kevin Pollack, Pete Postlethwaite, Kevin Spacey, Benicio Del Toro

Rating: 83%

"The greatest trick the devil ever pulled Wass convincing the world he didn't exist"

Review:

Bryan Singer's The Usual Suspects is a brilliant but unexpected 90's crime classic. From it's terrific cast to the intelligent ending I was always entertained. 

Despite Kevin Spacey's controversial allegations he's a talented actor. And as always he's amazing in The Usual Suspects as Verbal Kint. He can pull off vulnerable cripple and he can pull off evil mastermind. He deservedly won an Oscar for best supporting actor due to the emotive range from facial expressions alone, It's an incredible performance. Gabriel Byrne perfectly suggests the conflict between a straight life and returning to a life of crime. Benicio Del Toro chews the scenery during every scene and it was strange seeing him so young. I didn't quite understand what he was saying most of the time but that adds to the movie's charm. And Stephen Baldwin gives a surprisingly intense performance for another wise stereotypical role.  

The line up scene is iconic and for good reason. At first, it was intended that the scene would be the most serious of the movie but the cast couldn't stop laughing on set and after multiple takes Singer chose to use the funniest take. Its legend status may also be down to Christopher McQuarrie's script. The now Mission Impossible director is able to present throwaway lines and turn them into some of the most comedic of the 90's. 

[Spoiler] The ending to The Usual Suspects is very clever. As Detective Kujan figures out the false story, Singer chooses to remove all sound letting the score do its work - which adds a real impact as you put the pieces together. There's real attention taken when delivering and revealing the story. And to focus in on Kint's stride as he transitions from limp to purposeful stride is pure genius from a narrative stand point as that's how he was first introduced. 

 

One slight negative I have is that the rape scene felt unnecessary. Other than that The Usual Suspects never felt like it reached its 18 certification. It didn't help the move the plot forward in any way and it felt a bit malicious.