come for the crime drama stay for the story-telling

Rating: 10/10 (6 December 2016)

After Watching "The Usual Suspects" directed by Bryan Singer, it has quickly become one of my favorite movies. Without giving away anything, this movie has one of the best endings to a film I have ever seen. Furthermore, it is chalk full of engrossing cinematic elements, such as several shot reverse shots and a good deal of chiaroscuro. However, the real draw of the film is in the way it is laid out. The film takes place almost entirely in the office of a police chief, and for the most part is given in the form of a story being told by Verbal Kint played by Kevin Spacey. This allows the film to have a non-linear plot progression, which is in my opinion one of the most interesting ways to display a narrative. It allows Singer to interweave various strands and smaller narratives into one composed work. It would be remiss to review this film and not mention Kevin Spacey's brilliant acting. After seeing Kevin Spacey in such strong and stern roles such as Francis Underwood in Beau Willmon's "House of Cards'', Seeing him act as a weak easily frightened man with Cerebral Palsy is entirely game changing. Spacey convincingly creates and displays a feeling of weakness and cowardice. In conclusion, I think the Usual Suspects is one of the best executed and unique crime films of its time, and would greatly recommend watching it to anyone who enjoys crime dramas and non-linear storytelling.