The art of suspense in film can evoke a profound emotional response in audiences, usually done by constructing a narrative that culminates in a shocking final twist or revelation. The detective genre harnesses this technique deliberately and has been known to have the most mystery and suspense. However, what if you take the detectives away from being the protagonists, and instead, acquire a two-timing liar as the main driving force for the narrative… what do you get? Well… you get The Usual Suspects.
How to Download The Usual Suspects
You can download the film from a digital store. You can also stream it. Click on the Download button at the end of this review and make your choice. Check out also other films directed by Bryan Singer, for example, X-Men, Bohemian Rhapsody, or Dark Phoenix.
The Movie Review
The docks were a bloody battleground, with only one survivor left standing. Agent Dave Kujan rushes in to confirm ex-cop Dean Keaton’s death, but the survivor, Verbal Kint, has a story to tell.
The story chronicles how five criminals met in a lineup, and decided to pull off a heist together, one that would change their lives forever for the better. However, things took a perilous turn when Kyser Soze, a notorious criminal, got involved in their plan. Kint unravels Soze’s part in the crime, but Kujan can’t help but wonder about the true nature of the enigmatic plan…
If you’re looking for action-packed thrills or a lighthearted rom-com, you won’t find either in The Usual Suspects.
It’s a fairly low-budget movie from a relatively unknown director at the time, Bryan Singer. However, you mustn’t be fooled by its unassuming appearance – the film boasts a gripping story, superb acting, and what some have hailed as the greatest ending in cinematic history. This movie gave director Bryan Singer global fame, and he later went on to make the X-Men films.
I must say, Bryan Singer genuinely had game when he was directing this film. This film takes you through such mental gymnastics upon each viewing, you begin to find out more and more nuances in every scene you see.
The little details that you don’t catch on the first watch, become so powerful when you’re watching the film a second time, and then you notice them even more on the third watch. Not to mention, once you witness the ending, you’ll want to watch it again and again to find all the clues.
The attention to detail is what makes The Usual Suspects something completely different. The final twist feels genuinely earned, because the film hints towards it the whole way through.
The Characters
The actors in Usual Suspects are an unlikely bunch, but they fit their roles perfectly. Gabriel Byrne plays the ex-con trying to start over, but life won’t let him. Stephen Baldwin shines as the brash professional, while Kevin Pollak shows his versatility in a dramatic role.
A real standout for me was Benicio del Toro, who brings a flat character to life with unique mannerisms and unforgettable mumbles, he is simply phenomenal in this film. And of course, Kevin Spacey’s portrayal of a fast-talking, timid character helped establish him as the skilled actor we know today… or knew… before he nuked his whole career.
The Visuals
The camera work in The Usual Suspects is certainly noteworthy, as it manages to add a lot to the film’s excitement factor with its unique shots and a focus on visual storytelling.
The director, Bryan Singer, uses the camera in a way that effectively conveys information without relying solely on dialogue. However, it’s important to note that the film doesn’t look very pretty or technically advanced. The colors are dull and drab, and the shots, while unique, aren’t necessarily imaginative with their camera work. While this may be seen as a detriment by some, it doesn’t detract from the overall quality of the film.
The Music
The score, composed by John Ottman, sets the perfect mood and complements the intense, suspenseful atmosphere of the movie. The final twist ending is a prime example of how the music elevates the impact of the scene. As the truth is revealed, the music builds to a crescendo, adding to the tension and shock of the moment. The score simply reinforces the huge emotional weight of the scene.
Verdict
The Usual Suspects is a masterfully-crafted film that showcases the power of storytelling and the art of deception. With its cleverly written script, brilliant direction, and exceptional performances, the movie manages to keep the viewers engaged from start to finish while maintaining a strong sense of intrigue and mystery.
The film’s final twist ending is a prime example of how all the elements come together in perfect harmony, leaving the audience in awe. The Usual Suspects transcends its humble origins and cements its place as a timeless classic.
