The Usual Suspects (1995)
Bryan Singer's labyrinthine neo-noir masterpiece where five criminals, one legendary ghost, and a single unforgettable twist changed cinema forever.
The Usual Suspects - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Usual Suspects
- Release Year: 1995
- Directed by: Bryan Singer
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Crime, Thriller
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 46m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: Spanish, English, French, Hungarian
- Release Date (Theatrical): July 19, 1995 (France - TP), September 15, 1995 (United States - R), August 25, 1995 (United Kingdom - 18), January 18, 1996 (Germany - 16), September 13, 1995 (Australia - MA 15+), August 16, 1995 (Brazil - 16), September 15, 1995 (Mexico - B), November 30, 1995 (Italy - T), September 8, 1995 (Spain - 18), January 27, 1996 (South Korea - 18)
- Alternative Titles: Підозрілі особи (UA), Обычные подозреваемые (RU), 刺激驚爆點 (TW), 嫌疑惯犯 (CN), Sospechosos habituales (ES), Podozriví (SK), 非常嫌疑犯 (HK), Sospechosos habituales (MX)
- Production Companies: Bad Hat Harry Productions, Blue Parrot Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Usual Suspects - Plot
Held in an L.A. interrogation room, Verbal Kint attempts to convince the feds that a mythic crime lord, Keyser Soze, not only exists, but was also responsible for drawing him and his four partners into a multi-million dollar heist that ended with an explosion in San Pedro harbor – leaving few survivors. Verbal lures his interrogators with an incredible story of the crime lord's almost supernatural prowess.
The Usual Suspects - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the tension unfold from the very first frame:
Five criminals. One line up. No coincidence.
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The Usual Suspects - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Bryan Singer
Main Cast
- Stephen Baldwin
- Gabriel Byrne
- Benicio del Toro
- Kevin Pollak
- Kevin Spacey
- Chazz Palminteri
- Pete Postlethwaite
- Suzy Amis
- Giancarlo Esposito
- Dan Hedaya
Writers
- Christopher McQuarrie
Producers
- Bryan Singer
- Michael McDonnell
The Usual Suspects - FAQs
Who is Keyser Soze in The Usual Suspects?
Keyser Soze is revealed to be Verbal Kint, played by Kevin Spacey, in the film's iconic twist ending. Throughout the story, Soze is portrayed as an almost mythical criminal mastermind. The revelation comes in the final moments as Agent Kujan realizes he has been masterfully deceived by Verbal's fabricated testimony.
What is the ending of The Usual Suspects explained?
In the final scene, Agent Kujan realizes that Verbal Kint invented most of his story using names and details from objects in the interrogation room. As Verbal walks free and his limp disappears, Kujan understands too late that Verbal himself is the legendary Keyser Soze. It is one of cinema's most celebrated twist endings.
Where can I stream The Usual Suspects?
The Usual Suspects is available to stream free with ads on Tubi TV, The Roku Channel, and YouTube Free. It is also available for free via Kanopy and Hoopla. Subscribers to Amazon Prime Video can stream it as part of their membership. It is available to rent or buy on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Amazon Video.
Is The Usual Suspects based on a true story?
No, The Usual Suspects is not based on a true story. It is an entirely original screenplay written by Christopher McQuarrie, who won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for the film. The story of Keyser Soze and the San Pedro harbor explosion is a work of pure fiction.
Who are the main actors in The Usual Suspects?
The ensemble cast includes Kevin Spacey as Verbal Kint, Gabriel Byrne as Keaton, Benicio del Toro as Fenster, Kevin Pollak as Hockney, and Stephen Baldwin as McManus. Supporting roles are filled by Chazz Palminteri, Pete Postlethwaite, Suzy Amis, Giancarlo Esposito, and Dan Hedaya.
Did The Usual Suspects win any awards?
Yes, The Usual Suspects won two Academy Awards at the 1996 Oscars: Best Supporting Actor for Kevin Spacey and Best Original Screenplay for Christopher McQuarrie. The film also won two BAFTA Awards and earned widespread critical acclaim, cementing its place as a modern classic of the crime thriller genre.
What is the age rating for The Usual Suspects?
The Usual Suspects is rated R in the United States by the MPA. The rating reflects strong language, violence, and mature thematic content. In the United Kingdom it carries an 18 certificate, and in Australia it was rated MA 15+. It is not suitable for younger audiences.
How long is The Usual Suspects?
The Usual Suspects has a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes (106 minutes). Despite its relatively compact length, the film delivers a densely layered narrative with multiple twists, making it one of the most efficiently constructed crime thrillers of the 1990s.
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