Peter Greene

the reason'The Usual Suspects' leaves such a long-lasting impression on the viewer is that it takes advantage of the gullibility of the audience. For the first 100 minutes we are delivered an intriguing and complex story to which there seems no easy answer. When the final piece of the puzzle seems to be in place the entire film is turned on its head. This final revelation initially leaves you speechless and then shortly after the audience realises that they have fallen for a brilliantly inspired trick. The second great trick that this film plays on its audience is making us think that by watching it again we'll be able to understand slightly better what was really going on. The truth is that the more you try to make sense of it, the more confusing it becomes. It's probably best not to try to look for any concrete answers and just accept that we fell for the filmmaker's tricks. The success of the film is mainly thanks to the sense of satisfaction the audience is left with at the end of the film. I think that people love the idea of a story when you're not sure who you can really trust, along with the realisation that the film's most shady characters are the filmmakers themselves. Aside from the twist the film is also unique in the way the narrative is presented. The majority of the story is told as a series of flashbacks by crippled con artist Verbal Kint (a performance which deservedly won Kevin Spacey his first Oscar). The film's other Oscar went to screenwriter Christopher McQuarrie (who also directed 'The Way of the Gun' (2000)) for his brilliantly constructed screenplay. It's a testament to the director, Bryan Singer that he was able to combine all these elements and turn them into something which is nothing short of a modern masterpiece. His moody and stylish direction help to bring the film together and perfectly complement the film's dark tone. A mention should also go to John Ottman for his skilful editing and amazing score. The Usual Suspects is more than just a film with a clever ending. It revealed an awful lot about film audiences and showed us that their expectations can be used against them

Quentin Tarantino is a director that has changed how movies were made. Pulp Fiction is a movie that is one-of-a-kind in its time. The eccentric storytelling (using a non-linear storyline), the unbelievable acting by John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman and Bruce Willis and the ironic mix of humor and violence make this movie a classic. I recommend this movie to anyone!!

This is one of the best orchestrated movies of all time.

One of the greatest films ever! Incredibly innovative in its sequencing, with the some of the best, albeit harsh, monologues (i.e. Samuel L. Jackson's bible quote scene) of any movie. One of those films you can't help but watch every time it is on.

In a word, fantastic. This should become a classic. Strange cast, great performances, and Travolta played it to the hilt as a hit man. Samuel Jackson partners in a way that keep the energy going.

This should become a classic. Strange cast, great performances, and Travolta played it to the hilt as a hit man. Samuel Jackson partners in a way that keep the energy going.