So much more than a thriller

Rating: 10/10 (8 November 1998)

The day after I saw this at the cinema, I went to see it again. I just couldn't believe what my eyes had told me was there on the screen, and I needed to see how writer and director had pulled off one of the finest tricks in recent movie history.
This is so much more than a thriller. Ultimately, it's a meditation about film and the nature of story telling. Just what is real, what can be authenticated, and where do history and fiction stop and start? As the movie ends in a puff of backlit smoke, it reminds us that all movies are just that - light.
The Usual Suspects recently had its TV premier here in the UK. After imploring my friends to watch it for the past few years, there are still some who haven't seen it. My campaign continues.
If you're still one of the unfortunates, tear up that list of your Top Twenty movies. You'll need to create a new spot in there somewhere.