Very clever and superficially entertaining, but unsatisfying

Rating: 7/10 (29 May 2000)

Last week in a comparative literature class, we watched and discussed The Usual Suspects. After listening to many perspectives on the film, I've arrived at this conclusion: It's not challenging or difficult, it's impossible (or at least seems that way).
I'm going to assume that anyone who reads this is at least familiar with the plot, so I won't summarize too much hear. I also won't reveal the details of the ending, as not to spoil it for anyone.
The Usual Suspects does have quite a bit going for it: A clever and often funny screenplay, first rate acting, and direction that is generally very riveting. Even though the characters are well acted, they are presented in relatively superficial manner; we never really know them accept on a surface level. There isn't anything intrinsically wrong with that, but for this film it is a crucial flaw because it renders the conclusion unsatisfying.
The story and plot are extremely complicated and the details are mind-numbingly intricate: We get multiple perspectives and interpretations from at least two characters (sometimes simultaneously) of what happened during different times. It is difficult to determine what flashbacks actually did happen and which are fallacies. The plot is almost impossible to follow, even before the conclusion. The conclusion is genuinely surprising (for MOST people, including me), but later doesn't seem to make sense.
Throughout the film, it is suggested that Keyser Soce is the devil. It is not clear if he literally is the devil, or just a PERSON so evil as to be like the devil. Regardless of which assumption you make, the ending of the film isn't satisfying. If Soce isn't the devil (and has no supernatural powers), the film does not work: The pieces of the plot simply don't fit together (from what I can tell). If you accept that Soce literally is the devil, then this premise gives the filmmakers license to do almost anything, regardless of whether it unfolds in a plausible manner. This isn't satisfying either because it seems to render much of the plot irrelevant.
If the viewer completely disregards all plot holes and only observes the surface, The Usual Suspects is an entertaining movie. In that sense it is worth seeing. The pleasure does seem to be entirely superficial. It is clear that a great deal of thought went in to making this film, and it certainly isn't mindless. However, the film is void of any depth of human element and any real meaning. The plot may fit together if the film is closely and repeatedly examined, but it's shallow nature doesn't motivate the viewer to do so. This makes The Usual Suspects a good, but not great film, and certainly not one of the best films of the 1990's.
Note: If anyone would like to e-mail me to agree, disagree, or make any other criticism, I'd be happy to hear from you (not petty complaints please).