Did You Know These 10 Things About ‘The Usual Suspects’?
When ‘The Usual Suspects’ premiered in 1995, it quickly became known for its twisty storytelling and unforgettable ending. Directed by Bryan Singer and written by Christopher McQuarrie, the crime thriller followed a group of criminals caught up in a mysterious plot involving the legendary figure Keyser Söze. With its nonlinear narrative, unreliable narration, and stylish tone, the film became a defining entry in the crime genre of the 1990s.
The movie not only earned critical acclaim but also developed a devoted fan base thanks to its shocking conclusion. It went on to win Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor and Best Original Screenplay, cementing its place in film history. Behind the deception and mystery, there are plenty of fascinating details about how it came together. Here are ten things you might not know about ‘The Usual Suspects’.
The Title Came from a Famous Quote
The name ‘The Usual Suspects’ was inspired by the classic line from ‘Casablanca’: “Round up the usual suspects.”
Writer Christopher McQuarrie chose it because it perfectly captured the idea of a group of criminals being thrown together, even if they weren’t guilty of the crime in question.
Kevin Spacey Won an Oscar for His Role
Kevin Spacey’s performance as Roger “Verbal” Kint earned him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. His portrayal of the seemingly meek conman became central to the film’s shocking twist.
Spacey’s subtle performance was filled with small details that only made sense once the truth about Keyser Söze was revealed.
The Ending Shocked Audiences Worldwide
The film’s final twist, revealing Verbal as Keyser Söze, became one of the most famous in movie history. It was so well executed that it changed how audiences viewed everything that came before it.
This moment turned the film into an instant classic and sparked endless discussion among fans and critics alike.
The Cast Had Trouble Filming the Lineup Scene
The lineup scene, where the criminals first meet, was supposed to be serious, but the cast kept breaking into laughter. Their inability to keep straight faces came from repeated retakes and inside jokes.
Director Bryan Singer eventually used the funniest takes, giving the scene a natural, chaotic energy that audiences loved.
Keyser Söze Was Based on Real Stories
The mysterious crime lord Keyser Söze was partly inspired by tales of real underworld figures whose identities were shrouded in myth. McQuarrie wanted him to embody the ultimate boogeyman of organized crime.
By making him a figure of legend, the film added to the suspense, since no one could be sure whether Söze was even real.
Gabriel Byrne Thought He Was the Lead
Gabriel Byrne, who played Dean Keaton, believed throughout filming that his character was the central figure. Even he didn’t realize how much of the story hinged on Verbal’s point of view.
This misdirection worked in the movie’s favor, keeping the cast and audience equally uncertain about the true focus of the story.
Benicio del Toro Created His Own Unique Accent
Benicio del Toro played Fenster, a criminal with a nearly indecipherable accent. Del Toro came up with the idea after realizing his lines didn’t stand out as written.
The unusual delivery not only added humor but also made his character one of the most memorable in the ensemble cast.
The Poster Hinted at the Story’s Themes
The famous poster showing the five criminals in a police lineup became an iconic image. It symbolized not just the story setup but also the idea of suspicion and misdirection.
Its simplicity and mystery perfectly matched the tone of the film, helping it stand out in the crowded crime genre.
The Film Won Two Academy Awards
At the Oscars, ‘The Usual Suspects’ won Best Original Screenplay for Christopher McQuarrie and Best Supporting Actor for Kevin Spacey.
These wins helped elevate the movie’s status from a modest thriller to a widely recognized classic.
The Twist Changed Movie Endings Forever
After its release, ‘The Usual Suspects’ influenced countless films and TV shows that tried to replicate its shocking twist ending. It set a new standard for nonlinear storytelling and unreliable narrators in Hollywood.
The legacy of its surprise finale continues to shape how filmmakers approach suspense and deception in modern storytelling.
What fact about ‘The Usual Suspects’ did you find the most surprising? Share your thoughts in the comments!