The Usual Suspects

BFI Film Classics

by Ernest Larson, Ernest Larson

A heist thriller with a dazzling twist in the tail, The Usual Suspects has seen its reputation grow until it is now a major cult movie. In this book, Ernest Larsen examines the film's sophistcated narrative structure and the new spin it puts on an old genre.

Genres: Media Tie In, Film, Nonfiction, Mystery, Noir

96 pages, Paperback

First published February 27, 2002

Reviews

[Mahmoud Gamal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you believe in him, Verbal?

Keaton always said, "I don't believe in God, but I'm afraid of him." Well I believe in God, and the only thing that scares me is Keyser Soze

the usual suspects

فيلم خرافة

[Esraa · Rating 5 out of 5]

أعظم خدعه مارسها الشيطان هى اقناع العالم انه غير موجود !

[Jeff Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

These BFI books are very addictive...

This is a fabulous examination of a film that deserves time and intellectual effort to be spent on it; what I really like about it is how it examines all aspects - the writer, the director, the influences, the performances - like the film itself all the pieces are there and when you start to put them altogether you can appreciate it all the more.

I've also come away with a short list of films I haven't seen, and a couple that I'd like to go back to...including this one itself.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Usual Suspects is one of my favourite films; a friend gave me this book a few years ago and I loved it. Larsen not only gave a little history as to where the story for the film came from (a man in New Jersey killed his entire family), but was a critical analysis of the film itself and the decisions Singer and McQuarrie made in order to build the mystery of Keyser Soze. I've always loved film criticism, and this reminded me of discussions in my film studies classes in college. I can't stand reading movie reviews in the papers or online, I'd rather read in-depth anaylsis. And I try to never read a review before seeing a film.

[Sivaprasad Haridas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great one. Thrilling, entertaining and suspense.

[Tony · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got this years ago and set it aside to read after rewatching the film, and then didn't end up rewatching it until last week... I loved The Usual Suspects when it came out (I'm a sucker for a clever twist) and feel that it's held up quite well over the intervening 25 years. Unlike other BFI guides I've read, however, this one did not add measurably to my understanding or appreciation of the film. It does lead off with some interesting tidbits about how the writer and director grew up in New Jersey near a real-life case of a man (John List) who killed his family and disappeared for twenty years, and how that might have germinated into the key act in Keyser Soze's life. However, after that, the writing gets heavily bogged down in disecting the homoerotic refences in the dialogue and parsing how the film approaches masculinity in its text and subtext. Larsen is a curator, critic, and self-described anarchist, so it is not surprising that he brings that lens to his analysis -- but it makes for a bit of a heavy slog. 

[Ranette · Rating 5 out of 5]

A who done it that sucks you into the plot and a great twist at the end.

[Rezi · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my all time favorite movie and the book examination of it was superb.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The masculinity and the criminality as hardworking every man aspect was very interesting as well as the details of the duplicitous set up. Now to rewatch the movie.

[Ranette Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tightly written thriller with many twists.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a truly exceptional exploration of a film that absolutely merits our time and intellectual engagement. What truly stands out to me is the comprehensive approach taken here. It delves into every facet - from the brilliant mind of the writer to the meticulous craftsmanship of the director, the myriad influences that shaped its creation, and the incredible performances that brought it to life.

Much like the film itself, where every piece is meticulously placed to form a cohesive whole, this analysis meticulously assembles all these aspects. It's akin to solving a complex puzzle; as you piece together each element, you begin to appreciate the film in all its nuanced glory. It's not just a movie; it's a tapestry woven together from the threads of creativity, inspiration, and raw talent.

This examination elevates the film-watching experience, allowing us to see beyond the surface and delve into the depths of its artistry. It's an intellectual journey that enhances our understanding and appreciation of the cinematic masterpiece in question.

[Tom Romig · Rating 4 out of 5]

A competent and enthusiastic job of delving into the many mysteries of one of my favorite movies. Given that I tend towards non-violence, I've surprised myself that I like the movie so much. Ernest Larson goes a long way towards explaining my fascination, though in doing so he revealed some of the more adolescent-male aspects of my personality!

[Evan · Rating 2 out of 5]

One of the weaker entries in the BFI series. The author takes a lot of words to say little, and he is weak on formal discussion. It's not an awful overview for a casual post-viewing read, but it's a bit insufficient as a study of the film

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

really a 3.5

[Santosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I don't believe in God, but I'm afraid of him." Well I believe in God, and the only thing that scares me is Keyser Soze "

[Mengqi Wang · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book illustrates various dimensions for me to approach a film.
It's really illuminating.

[Jeffrey Anderson]

I obtained a copy of this book from Alibris as I really love the movie and wanted to see what insights this book might provide. It is a fascinating read, not one I always agree with as far as the critical aspects of the narrative go, but one I really enjoyed reading. I like the fresh perspective on a movie I have seen too many times to count. I would certainly go back to the BFI series of books on other movies I have enjoyed.