THE USUAL SUSPECTS (1995)
4 stars
Arrow Video. Limited Edition 4K UHD/Limited Edition Blu-ray. 6th January
From the iconic police line-up image used on the poster, to the central “who is Keyser Söze” mystery, THE USUAL SUSPECTS is one of those movies that people recognise, even if they haven’t seen it – and if you haven’t I recommend you avail yourself of a viewing of this classic crime thriller. If you are a fan, you will love this new 4K UHD release, drawn from the original negative, which shows off the cinematography of Newton Thomas Sigel.
The plot is built around flashbacks and narration, as Roger “Verbal” Kint (Kevin Spacey) is interrogated, as he was one of only two survivors from a fire on a ship. The other is the severely burnt Arkash Kovash (Morgan Hunter). Kint relates the story that lead up to the conflagration – a complex tale of a jewellery heist, corrupt cops, a lawyer named Kobayashi (Pete Postelthwaite) and the mysterious crime lord Keyser Söze.
The great cast includes Gabriel Byrne, Stephen Baldwin, Chazz Palminteri and Benicio del Toro. Working from a cracking script by Christopher McQuarrie (now Tom Cruise’s ‘go to’ guy), this is dynamically directed by Bryan Singer. There is also a fab score by John Ottman – who also edited the movie.
The film that made Spacey a star – though I guess these days this is one of those productions where you need to separate the art from the artist, as it were, as we also have the controversy surrounding director Singer (Google it).
Steve Kirkham
EXTRAS
Two Audio commentaries: director Bryan Singer and writer Christopher McQuarrie; editor and composer John Ottman
The Devil in the Details, an archival interview with cinematographer Newton Thomas Sigel (16 mins) – he talks about how he shot the film, using dolly and zoom to set up a rhythm. About Singer. Shooting the line-up. Choosing a distinct look for the flashbacks, working with other departments etc.
Archival interview with John Ottman (7 mins)
Round Up: Deposing the Usual Suspects – in two parts: Pursuing the Suspects (25 mins) and Doing Time with the Suspects (25 mins)
Keyser Söze (Lie or Legend?), (18 mins) an archival featurette including Singer, del Toro, Stephen Baldwin, Kevin Pollak etc
Heisting Cannes with The Usual Suspects, archival footage from the film’s world premiere at the 1995 Cannes Film Festival (4 mins)
Introducing The Usual Suspects, an original EPK featurette (6 mins)
Plus Deleted scenes with introduction by John Ottman (10 mins); Gag reel (7 mins); Interview outtakes with Chazz Palminteri, Stephen Baldwin, Kevin Pollak, Benicio del Toro, and Bryan Singer (3 mins); Trailers and TV spots
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Tommy Pocket; Collector’s booklet featuring new writing by Barry Forshaw; Double-sided fold-out poster featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Tommy Pocket
