The Usual Suspects (1995)

Detailed Summary

Introduction and Setting

The Usual Suspects is a neo-noir mystery film directed by Bryan Singer and written by Christopher McQuarrie. The film is known for its intricate plot, unreliable narration, and one of the most famous plot twists in cinematic history.

The Interrogation

The story begins with the interrogation of Roger “Verbal” Kint (Kevin Spacey), a small-time con artist with cerebral palsy, who is one of only two survivors of a massacre and fire on a ship docked at the Port of Los Angeles. U.S. Customs agent Dave Kujan (Chazz Palminteri) interviews Verbal to piece together the events leading up to the massacre.

The Line-Up

The narrative unfolds through a series of flashbacks as Verbal recounts the story. It all starts with a police line-up of five criminals: Dean Keaton (Gabriel Byrne), a former corrupt cop; Michael McManus (Stephen Baldwin), a trigger-happy psychopath; Fred Fenster (Benicio del Toro), McManus’s partner; Todd Hockney (Kevin Pollak), a hijacker; and Verbal Kint. They are brought together for a seemingly random line-up but decide to pull off a robbery together.

The Heist and Aftermath

The crew successfully executes a heist and decides to work together on more jobs. Their success attracts the attention of Kobayashi (Pete Postlethwaite), a lawyer representing a mysterious and powerful crime lord named Keyser Söze. Kobayashi coerces the group into attacking a ship in San Pedro harbor to destroy a large cocaine shipment and eliminate a rival Hungarian gang.

The Massacre on the Ship

The plan goes awry, and a massive shootout ensues on the ship. Keaton is killed, and Verbal is one of the few survivors. Verbal claims that Keyser Söze was present during the massacre and orchestrated the entire event to eliminate those who could testify against him.

The Twist and Revelation

As Verbal concludes his story, Agent Kujan pieces together the truth: Keaton was not actually dead, and Verbal’s entire story is fabricated. The names and details he used were lifted from a bulletin board in the interrogation room. Kujan realizes that Verbal Kint is Keyser Söze. By the time Kujan understands the deception, Verbal has already been released and is seen walking away, shedding his limp and disability, and disappearing into the crowd.

Movie Ending

The film ends with the revelation that Verbal Kint is Keyser Söze, and he escapes the police’s grasp. The iconic line, “The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist,” underscores the film’s central theme of deception.

Post-Credits Scene

There are no post-credits scenes in The Usual Suspects.

Type of Movie

The Usual Suspects is a neo-noir mystery thriller that combines elements of crime, drama, and psychological suspense.

Cast

• Kevin Spacey as Roger “Verbal” Kint / Keyser Söze
• Gabriel Byrne as Dean Keaton
• Chazz Palminteri as Dave Kujan
• Stephen Baldwin as Michael McManus
• Benicio del Toro as Fred Fenster
• Kevin Pollak as Todd Hockney
• Pete Postlethwaite as Kobayashi

Film Music and Composer

The film’s score was composed by John Ottman, who also edited the film. Ottman’s music enhances the tension and atmosphere, contributing to the film’s suspenseful narrative.

Filming Locations

• Los Angeles, California: Various locations in and around Los Angeles were used for the film’s urban settings.
• San Pedro Harbor: The shipboard scenes were filmed at the harbor, adding to the film’s authentic feel.

Awards and Nominations

The Usual Suspects received numerous prestigious awards, including:

• Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actor (Kevin Spacey), Best Original Screenplay (Christopher McQuarrie)
• BAFTA Awards: Best Original Screenplay (Christopher McQuarrie), Best Editing (John Ottman)
• Independent Spirit Awards: Best Screenplay (Christopher McQuarrie)

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Kevin Spacey’s portrayal of Verbal Kint was widely praised and became one of his most iconic roles.
• The film’s famous plot twist was carefully crafted by McQuarrie and Singer to ensure maximum impact and surprise.
• The film’s low budget necessitated creative solutions, such as using real locations and relying heavily on the actors’ performances.

Inspirations and References

The film draws inspiration from classic noir films and literature, incorporating elements of deception, unreliable narration, and intricate plotting. The character of Keyser Söze has become synonymous with hidden identities and unexpected twists.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

The final cut of the film closely follows the original script, with minimal alternate endings or deleted scenes. Special editions may include additional behind-the-scenes footage and interviews.

Book Adaptations and Differences

There are no direct novelizations of The Usual Suspects, but the film has been analyzed in various books and essays, exploring its narrative structure, themes, and impact on popular culture.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• The police line-up where the five criminals are introduced.
• Verbal’s detailed recounting of the events leading to the ship massacre.
• The climactic reveal of Verbal’s true identity as Keyser Söze.
• The final scene of Verbal walking away, shedding his physical disabilities.

Iconic Quotes

• “The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist.” – Verbal Kint
• “How do you shoot the Devil in the back? What if you miss?” – Verbal Kint
• “I’m smarter than you, and I’m gonna find out what I want to know, and I’m gonna get it from you whether you like it or not.” – Dave Kujan

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• The film’s use of unreliable narration and flashbacks creates a complex and layered narrative, inviting multiple viewings to fully appreciate its intricacies.
• The character names and details in Verbal’s story are drawn from objects and names in the interrogation room, highlighting his improvisational skills.

Trivia

• The film’s budget was around $6 million, and it grossed over $34 million worldwide.
• The title “The Usual Suspects” was inspired by the famous line from the film Casablanca: “Round up the usual suspects.”
• The cast was not told about the final twist until the last days of shooting to preserve the authenticity of their reactions.

Why Watch?

The Usual Suspects is a masterfully crafted film that combines an engaging story with a surprising and memorable twist. Its strong performances, particularly by Kevin Spacey, and its intricate narrative make it a must-watch for fans of mystery and thriller genres.

Director’s Other Movies

Bryan Singer also directed:

• X-Men (2000)
• X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
• Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)

Recommended Films for Fans

• Se7en (1995)
• Fight Club (1999)
• L.A. Confidential (1997)
• Memento (2000)
• Primal Fear (1996)

The Usual Suspects is a modern classic that has stood the test of time. Its intricate plot and gripping narrative have kept audiences hooked for decades. It’s a must-see for any film buff.