Latest news with #TheUsualSuspects
Digital Trends
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Digital Trends
The Usual Suspects: Why it's still one of the best crime movies ever
The Usual Suspects made its theatrical debut on August 16, 1995, introducing audiences to one of the cinema's greatest, most shocking crime thrillers. Directed by Bryan Singer, the story follows an interrogation of a con artist (Kevin Spacey) who, after surviving a drug robbery gone wrong, tries to prove the existence of a mythical crime lord who sent him and his partners to carry out their fateful heist. Disregarding the controversies surrounding Singer and Spacey, The Usual Suspects has left behind a prestigious legacy that lasts to this day. Presenting a mind-blowing story told by a fearsome, cunning villain with spectacular performers, The Usual Suspects remains a classic of cinema 30 years after its release. Recommended Videos The American Film Institute even placed it in the Top 10 list for the best mystery films ever made. Though many people already know the movie's legendary twist, The Usual Suspects continues to captivate audiences. An iconic villain steals the show The movie's antagonist, Keyser Söze, cemented himself as one of cinema's greatest villains by executing one of the greatest twists in film history. During the movie, Söze is built up to be a legendary, ruthless crime boss who may or may not exist. The only thing people know about Söze is the story of how he killed his family and the criminals who held them hostage just to prove his willpower. Such a tale established him as a ruthless and fearsome villain driven by the sole purpose of controlling others through fear and lies, turning him into the Devil or Boogeyman of the criminal underworld. The movie also delivers some truly memorable quotes to build up the terror and mystique of Söze. However, the movie changes everything in its final moments, revealing Spacey's character, Verbal Kint, was Söze, who had fabricated an elaborate story based on things he saw in Agent Kujan's (Chazz Palminteri) office to lie his way to freedom. Kint convinced Kujan and the audience that Dean Keaton (Gabriel Byrne) was the real Keyser Söze without even saying it. This resulted in a mind-blowing double twist. As he sheds his disguise as a cowardly, pitiful man with a physical disability, Söze proves how fiendish and frightening a figure he is. Using his skills of deception, he tricked the criminal justice system into letting him go before he retreated into the shadows, proving that evil can take the most unsuspecting form. By portraying such a conniving character with so many emotional masks, Spacey won an Academy Award for his performance as Söze. A memorable twist makes the film more rewatchable Even after the film's big twist, The Usual Suspects still warrants multiple viewings from audiences. Many small details hint at Söze's identity and his clever scheme. For instance, when Kint sits alone in Kujan's office, he is seen looking around all the agent's belongings, silently building the false narrative in his head. Kint is also said to have legal protection from the Prince of Darkness, foreshadowing the reveal of his true identity, Keyser Söze. Audiences may need to watch the movie more than once to catch what they missed the first time, making for an elaborate and surprising narrative that is much more compelling. Despite its deceptive nature, The Usual Suspects tells some hard truths about the real world, and the audience comes to appreciate the story through its rewatchability. The Usual Suspects proves that not everyone is who they appear to be and that the truth is a construct that can easily be distorted. Like a true devil, Söze mixes his lies with the truth to show the flaws of the criminal justice system. Naturally, for his work on the film's mind-blowing script, future Mission: Impossible director Christopher McQuarrie won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. The Writers Guild of America even put the film's script in its list of the 101 Best Screenplays Ever Written. The film features an engaging story, nevertheless At times, it seems like this twist ending of The Usual Suspects has overshadowed the rest of the film. While Söze's story was predominantly false, that shouldn't detract viewers from seeing the value of what came before the film's big twist. What Söze made up remains unclear. Kobayashi turned out to be a real person, proving there may be some truth to Söze's story. Although Keaton's portrayal was based on Söze's fabricated story, it is difficult not to feel sympathy for him. He tries to move on from his criminal past, only to feel compelled to pull off a heist to make money and exact revenge on the NYPD for ruining his chances at a new life. Kujan argues that Keaton wasn't a changed man, and while that may have been true, Söze proved to him that he was wrong about Keaton as well. Perhaps he was trying to change, and the NYPD did prevent him from doing so. Thus, in a bit of tragic irony, the police may have inadvertently driven Keaton and his partners down the road to their destruction. In addition, Spacey's performance shouldn't overshadow the rest of the cast. The Usual Suspects features spectacular performances from its other main players, particularly Byrne, Palminteri, Benicio del Toro, and Pete Postlethwaite. It even shows Giancarlo Esposito giving a noteworthy performance long before he broke out on Breaking Bad. The Usual Suspects may be best known for its twist ending, but the film as a whole has held up three decades after its release. The movie is a gripping, gritty, and gut-wrenching crime thriller, only to flip the script and make everyone revisit and rethink what they witnessed. Few films have come close to replicating such a surprising story, making The Usual Suspects even more remarkable.
Arabian Post
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Arabian Post
Kevin Spacey Set to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award
Kevin Spacey is poised to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award at this year's prestigious film and television event, a recognition that comes after a series of legal and professional challenges that have marred his career. The actor, known for his roles in House of Cards and The Usual Suspects, is being honoured for his contributions to the entertainment industry. The announcement has sparked a mixed response, reflecting both his undeniable talents and the controversies surrounding him. Spacey's career trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable. He has earned two Academy Awards, a Tony Award, and a Golden Globe, demonstrating his versatility across different genres and platforms. His work in both film and television has been lauded for its depth and complexity, often pushing the boundaries of storytelling. As an actor, his range has allowed him to seamlessly transition between roles of immense gravitas and more subtle, nuanced performances. His portrayal of Frank Underwood in House of Cards remains one of the most iconic television roles of the 21st century, earning him widespread acclaim. However, his career took a significant downturn in 2017 when accusations of sexual misconduct emerged, led by actor Anthony Rapp, who claimed that Spacey made an unwanted advance on him when he was 14. Following this, several other individuals came forward with similar allegations, resulting in Spacey being dismissed from House of Cards and removed from the film All the Money in the World, where he was replaced by Christopher Plummer. The actor faced multiple investigations, though no criminal charges have resulted from these allegations in the U. S. Nonetheless, the public fallout from these revelations has been profound, and Spacey's image has been tarnished in the eyes of many. ADVERTISEMENT Despite this, Spacey has made attempts at a career comeback. He has appeared in several international projects, often receiving praise for his performances in roles that seem to mirror his real-life struggles. His return to the screen, however, has not been without controversy. Some in the industry have questioned whether he deserves such recognition given the allegations against him, while others have argued that his professional achievements should be viewed independently of his personal conduct. The decision to award Spacey with a Lifetime Achievement Award comes at a time when the entertainment industry is grappling with questions about accountability and the complexities of separating art from the artist. Spacey's accolades, however, remain a testament to his talent and influence on both the stage and screen. He remains a polarising figure, with opinions divided on whether his achievements can overshadow the gravity of the accusations made against him. This honour, while significant, also raises larger conversations about the broader cultural shift towards evaluating the legacies of figures embroiled in scandal. Critics argue that bestowing such an award on Spacey could be seen as a step backward in the industry's commitment to addressing issues of sexual misconduct. On the other hand, proponents maintain that it is important to acknowledge the full scope of his career, as well as the impact of his work.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Aaron Rodgers says he'll leave the NFL and go into hiding next year: 'You won't see me'
Looks like we won't have Aaron Rodgers to kick around much longer. The four-time league MVP said Tuesday on "The Pat McAfee Show" that he's "pretty sure" the upcoming NFL season — his first as quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers and 21st overall — will be his last. Advertisement And after that, Rodgers said, he won't be seen or heard from ever again. "When this is all done, it's Keyser Söze. You won't see me," Rodgers said, referring to the elusive villain in "The Usual Suspects." "I won't be in the public. I don't want to live a public life. ... I'm not going to be in in the public eye. When this is done, I'm done, and you won't see me. And I'm looking forward to that." Read more: Aaron Rodgers fined after admitting he 'misled people' about his vaccination status It might seem a tad difficult to imagine Rodgers willingly disappearing from public consciousness for any significant period of time. In addition to being one of the all-time greats at quarterback, Rodgers has kept a pretty high profile in popular culture over the last two decades. Advertisement He's been in countless commercials. He filled in as host of "Jeopardy." He made the short list of possible running mates during Robert Kennedy Jr.'s presidential bid (that spot ultimately went to Nicole Shanahan). He was in romantic relationships with such famous women as Olivia Munn, Danica Patrick and Shailene Woodley. In recent years, Rodgers also has become known for his sometimes controversial opinions that he has been more than willing to share during his regular appearances on McAfee's show and other platforms. Read more: Looks as though Aaron Rodgers wasn't banned from ESPN's Pat McAfee show after Jimmy Kimmel controversy But, Rodgers insisted Tuesday, "I don't want the attention," although he acknowledged, "I know that's a narrative out there." Advertisement After 18 seasons with the Green Bay Packers and two with the New York Jets, Rodgers signed a one-year deal with the Steelers as a free agent this summer. At mini-camp this month, the Super Bowl XLV MVP told reporters that he had recently gotten married. He has not publicly revealed his wife's name. On Tuesday, Rodgers spoke for nearly four minutes about perceived invasions of his and his wife's privacy. He accused paparazzi of "stalking" the two of them and asserted that unnamed media outlets had been either publishing sensitive information about the couple or just making things up about them. "What happened to common decency about security and a personal life that we now have to dive into your details of where you live and what you're doing and who you're with and who your wife is and if you even have a wife," Rodgers said. "Because my wife is a private person, doesn't have social media, hasn't been a public person, doesn't want to be a public person. But now that somehow is a weird thing?" Read more: Did you really see Aaron Rodgers on 'Game of Thrones'? Advertisement He added: "My private life is my private life, and it's going to stay that way. And I'm with somebody who wants to be private, and if and when she wants to be out, and there's a picture, she'll choose that. And she deserves the right to that. "But the entitlement to information about my private life is so f— ridiculous and embarrassing. Like, hey, do what you got to do. But just try and leave me out of a conversation, Sports World, for a month. Try and just leave me out, my personal life, my professional life. Try not to talk about me. ... Just see if you can do that." Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Los Angeles Times
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Aaron Rodgers says he'll leave the NFL and go into hiding next year: ‘You won't see me'
Looks like we won't have Aaron Rodgers to kick around much longer. The four-time league MVP said Tuesday on 'The Pat McAfee Show' that he's 'pretty sure' the upcoming NFL season — his first as quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers and 21st overall — will be his last. And after that, Rodgers said, he won't be seen or heard from ever again. 'When this is all done, it's Keyser Söze. You won't see me,' Rodgers said, referring to the elusive villain in 'The Usual Suspects.' 'I won't be in the public. I don't want to live a public life. ... I'm not going to be in in the public eye. When this is done, I'm done, and you won't see me. And I'm looking forward to that.' It might seem a tad difficult to imagine Rodgers willingly disappearing from public consciousness for any significant period of time. In addition to being one of the all-time greats at quarterback, Rodgers has kept a pretty high profile in popular culture over the last two decades. He's been in countless commercials. He filled in as host of 'Jeopardy.' He made the short list of possible running mates during Robert Kennedy Jr.'s presidential bid (that spot ultimately went to Nicole Shanahan). He was in romantic relationships with such famous women as Olivia Munn, Danica Patrick and Shailene Woodley. In recent years, Rodgers also has become known for his sometimes controversial opinions that he has been more than willing to share during his regular appearances on McAfee's show and other platforms. But, Rodgers insisted Tuesday, 'I don't want the attention,' although he acknowledged, 'I know that's a narrative out there.' After 18 seasons with the Green Bay Packers and two with the New York Jets, Rodgers signed a one-year deal with the Steelers as a free agent this summer. At mini-camp this month, the Super Bowl XLV MVP told reporters that he had recently gotten married. He has not publicly revealed his wife's name. On Tuesday, Rodgers spoke for nearly four minutes about perceived invasions of his and his wife's privacy. He accused paparazzi of 'stalking' the two of them and asserted that unnamed media outlets had been either publishing sensitive information about the couple or just making things up about them. 'What happened to common decency about security and a personal life that we now have to dive into your details of where you live and what you're doing and who you're with and who your wife is and if you even have a wife,' Rodgers said. 'Because my wife is a private person, doesn't have social media, hasn't been a public person, doesn't want to be a public person. But now that somehow is a weird thing?' He added: 'My private life is my private life, and it's going to stay that way. And I'm with somebody who wants to be private, and if and when she wants to be out, and there's a picture, she'll choose that. And she deserves the right to that. 'But the entitlement to information about my private life is so f— ridiculous and embarrassing. Like, hey, do what you got to do. But just try and leave me out of a conversation, Sports World, for a month. Try and just leave me out, my personal life, my professional life. Try not to talk about me. ... Just see if you can do that.'
The Advertiser
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
Stacked deck: House of Cards star denied equal pay
Robin Wright says she was denied equal pay on House of Cards because she didn't have an Academy Award. The 59-year-old actress played Claire Underwood on the Netflix show from 2013 to 2018 but she was denied the same salary as her on-screen husband Kevin Spacey because he had won a Best Actor Oscar for American Beauty in 2000 and Best Supporting Actor for The Usual Suspects in 1996. Speaking at the Monte-Carlo Television Festival, Wright told Variety: "When David Fincher introduced 'House of Cards' to me, he said, 'This is going to be the future, it's going to be revolutionary.' And look where we are now." Of her fight for equal pay, she said: "Yes, it was difficult. I am going to be honest. "When I said, 'I think it's only fair because my character became as popular as (Spacey's), they said, 'We can't pay you the same as an actor, so we will make you exec producer and you can direct. We will give you three different pay cheques.' I asked, 'Why can't you pay me as an actor?' 'Because you didn't win an Academy Award.'" Wright knew being angry "wasn't going to change anything". She said: "That has been the protocol for years - it just is. If you say, 'Why did so-and-so female not get the same amount as Will Smith?' They say, 'It will increase after you win.' Nomination, not so much. Why does it have to do anything with a raise?" Wright - who has Dylan, 34, and Hopper, 31, with ex-husband Sean Penn - admitted House of Cards helped her through a "dry" period in her career. Robin Wright says she was denied equal pay on House of Cards because she didn't have an Academy Award. The 59-year-old actress played Claire Underwood on the Netflix show from 2013 to 2018 but she was denied the same salary as her on-screen husband Kevin Spacey because he had won a Best Actor Oscar for American Beauty in 2000 and Best Supporting Actor for The Usual Suspects in 1996. Speaking at the Monte-Carlo Television Festival, Wright told Variety: "When David Fincher introduced 'House of Cards' to me, he said, 'This is going to be the future, it's going to be revolutionary.' And look where we are now." Of her fight for equal pay, she said: "Yes, it was difficult. I am going to be honest. "When I said, 'I think it's only fair because my character became as popular as (Spacey's), they said, 'We can't pay you the same as an actor, so we will make you exec producer and you can direct. We will give you three different pay cheques.' I asked, 'Why can't you pay me as an actor?' 'Because you didn't win an Academy Award.'" Wright knew being angry "wasn't going to change anything". She said: "That has been the protocol for years - it just is. If you say, 'Why did so-and-so female not get the same amount as Will Smith?' They say, 'It will increase after you win.' Nomination, not so much. Why does it have to do anything with a raise?" Wright - who has Dylan, 34, and Hopper, 31, with ex-husband Sean Penn - admitted House of Cards helped her through a "dry" period in her career. Robin Wright says she was denied equal pay on House of Cards because she didn't have an Academy Award. The 59-year-old actress played Claire Underwood on the Netflix show from 2013 to 2018 but she was denied the same salary as her on-screen husband Kevin Spacey because he had won a Best Actor Oscar for American Beauty in 2000 and Best Supporting Actor for The Usual Suspects in 1996. Speaking at the Monte-Carlo Television Festival, Wright told Variety: "When David Fincher introduced 'House of Cards' to me, he said, 'This is going to be the future, it's going to be revolutionary.' And look where we are now." Of her fight for equal pay, she said: "Yes, it was difficult. I am going to be honest. "When I said, 'I think it's only fair because my character became as popular as (Spacey's), they said, 'We can't pay you the same as an actor, so we will make you exec producer and you can direct. We will give you three different pay cheques.' I asked, 'Why can't you pay me as an actor?' 'Because you didn't win an Academy Award.'" Wright knew being angry "wasn't going to change anything". She said: "That has been the protocol for years - it just is. If you say, 'Why did so-and-so female not get the same amount as Will Smith?' They say, 'It will increase after you win.' Nomination, not so much. Why does it have to do anything with a raise?" Wright - who has Dylan, 34, and Hopper, 31, with ex-husband Sean Penn - admitted House of Cards helped her through a "dry" period in her career. Robin Wright says she was denied equal pay on House of Cards because she didn't have an Academy Award. The 59-year-old actress played Claire Underwood on the Netflix show from 2013 to 2018 but she was denied the same salary as her on-screen husband Kevin Spacey because he had won a Best Actor Oscar for American Beauty in 2000 and Best Supporting Actor for The Usual Suspects in 1996. Speaking at the Monte-Carlo Television Festival, Wright told Variety: "When David Fincher introduced 'House of Cards' to me, he said, 'This is going to be the future, it's going to be revolutionary.' And look where we are now." Of her fight for equal pay, she said: "Yes, it was difficult. I am going to be honest. "When I said, 'I think it's only fair because my character became as popular as (Spacey's), they said, 'We can't pay you the same as an actor, so we will make you exec producer and you can direct. We will give you three different pay cheques.' I asked, 'Why can't you pay me as an actor?' 'Because you didn't win an Academy Award.'" Wright knew being angry "wasn't going to change anything". She said: "That has been the protocol for years - it just is. If you say, 'Why did so-and-so female not get the same amount as Will Smith?' They say, 'It will increase after you win.' Nomination, not so much. Why does it have to do anything with a raise?" Wright - who has Dylan, 34, and Hopper, 31, with ex-husband Sean Penn - admitted House of Cards helped her through a "dry" period in her career.
