The Usual Suspects returns to France 4 with an investigation built around a story: that of Verbal Kint, the only witness who can shed light on a massacre aboard a ship. Detective Dave Kujan tries to piece together what brought five criminals together in this case, where the name Keyser Söze keeps coming up.
Bryan Singer’s 1995 film opens with five suspects brought together in a police lineup. Their association leads them into a far more dangerous operation. Gabriel Byrne, Stephen Baldwin, Benicio Del Toro and Kevin Pollak surround Kevin Spacey, with Chazz Palminteri playing the investigator opposite him.
The narrative structure lies at the heart of Christopher McQuarrie’s screenplay: events are recounted through the memories and statements of a witness being questioned. The viewer therefore has access to the information the witness chooses to reveal, while the film does not immediately disclose what connects the various protagonists.
Screened out of competition at the 1995 Cannes Film Festival, Usual Suspects went on to win two Oscars: Best Original Screenplay for Christopher McQuarrie and Best Supporting Actor for Kevin Spacey. This broadcast offers a chance to revisit the film without giving away the solution to its mystery.
For more, also check out our selection of films, series and shows to watch on TV this week, our guide to new releases across all platforms, and today’s picks in What to Watch on Streaming Today.
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