The Usual Suspects (1995)

The film is a morbid, disturbing, labyrinthine journey into the darker recesses of the criminal psyche and a dazzlingly proficient piece of filmmaking that confirms Singer as a prodigious talent. It borders on genius with its intelligent script, fine cast and skilful manipulation of image and sound.

The film is more opaque than similar thrillers, with deception built into its structure. It is a maddening movie that pulls fast ones but offers dust-dry humour and an unfaltering grip if the viewer is prepared to take it on the chin.

This labyrinthine, very well played thriller never lets up, involving five criminals brought together by the mysterious Keyser Soze. Working from Christopher McQuarrie's marvellously tortuous script, Singer creates a classy, thought-provoking mystery that is pleasingly old-fashioned yet modern in its play with myth and storytelling.

The critic finds the twisty plot ultimately unsatisfying and prefers stories driven by character motivation rather than clever manipulation. The interrogation scenes and Verbal's narration are noted but do not overcome the feeling that there is less substance than the film suggests.

The film is a polished, virtuoso-style criminal roller coaster and maze of twists that viewers will enjoy getting lost in, driven by director Singer's disciplined control and the vigorous screenplay. It offers pure stylistic pleasure alongside its tale of power and betrayal.

The neo-noir mystery is praised for its complexity, wicked storytelling, and ability to outsmart the viewer, delivering pleasure in its tall-tale structure and paranoia. The nocturnal tone and ensemble cast (with one noted weak link) enhance its appeal over similar crime films.

The stylish film noir succeeds as an intricate, twisty ensemble piece with sharp dialogue and strong performances that will reward repeat viewings. It excels at gamesmanship and visual flair but falls short on emotional depth.

The critic finds the film still fresh and ranks it as Bryan Singer's best work, praising its expertly sustained puzzle, witty energy, and peerless ensemble cast that rewards repeated viewings.