From its ominous opening scene depicting the chaotic aftermath of a deadly gun battle on board a cargo ship docked in the port of Los Angeles, 1995’s “The Usual Suspects” is a gripping story with a riveting plot that will leave you intrigued and pining for answers as the twists and turns are unveiled bit by bit.
Writer Christopher McQuarry and Director Bryan Singer weave a story of action, suspense, and gritty drama. The non-linear storyline jumps to and from the present with flashbacks and revelations, and is orchestrated by a powerful ensemble cast and a host of solid extras in supporting roles.
The investigation of the carnage committed in the opening scene takes police across the country to New York City, and back six weeks in time. Crippled criminal Verbal Kint (Kevin Spacey) serves as narrator as he sits in a police interrogation room questioned by US Customs Agent Dave Kujan (Chazz Palminter).
The story follows Kint a group of career low lives, consisting of Michael McManus (Stephen Baldwin), Fred Fenster (Benicio del Toro), and Todd Hockney (Kevin Pollak) each with their own mischievous specialty. The brains behind the gaggle of hoodlums is Dean Keaton (Gabriel Byrne) a former corrupt cop.
Winner of two Academy Awards (McQuarrie for Best Original Screenplay and Spacey for Best Supporting Actor), “The Usual Suspects” is a top of the line cops and robbers type tale, with action, suspense, and the occasional injection of humor. “They treat me like a criminal.” Fenster complains after he is arrested. “You are a criminal.” Hockney glibly reminds him.
The caper itself spreads six weeks and follows the criminals from the streets of New York to the docks of Los Angeles. As Verbal Kint provides narration, the plot continues to thicken and the mayhem increases every step of the way.
“The Usual Suspects” dazzles with a solid story and intriguing characters. The group of thieves play perfectly off each other. One gets the impression that each has an underworld resect for the other, while at the same time would gladly shoot every other member of the group in the back of the head if it meant a higher cut of the profit.
Subtleties make each man stand out in their own way. McManus is a short fused hot head who shoots first and asks questions later. Fester is a stylish cat, with an odd way of speaking that includes a mumbled and garbled combination of broken English. Hockney is cold and focuses his sites strictly on the task at hand. Keaton is involved romantically with his attorney (Suzy Amis) and must walk the fine line between his criminal endeavors and keeping her safe.
Professional villain Peter Greene plays a brief but memorable role as (what else) a scoundrel, and Giancarlo Esposito, known for the wicked Gustavo Fring in TV’s Breaking Bad, plays the good side of the law as FBI Agent Jack Baer.
I like “The Usual Suspects” for its acting, story, fast pace, and suspenseful conclusion. In the twenty years since its release, it has gone down as one of the best films of the 90s and one of the top crime movies ever, both of which I concur. ‘Suspects’ also has one of the most infamous endings of any movie in history. Done in a time just before the ironic final scenes for movies like “Saw” and “The Sixth Sense” were popular, ‘Suspects’ closes in a memorable way that doesn’t overshadow the rest of the story.
“The Usual Suspects” is a great crime action film. Its violence and one liners make it an ideal man movie. “F@* your father in the shower and then have a snack?” Is Hockney’s perfect answer to a cops question. It joins other top shelf 90s crime movies like “Pulp Fiction,” “Reservoir Dogs,” and “The Boondock Saints.”
And once you’ve seen it, you’ll want to watch it again and again.
– by Matt Christopher
