Usual Suspects’ Twist Wouldn’t Work Today?! Director Explains!

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Christopher McQuarrie, who is often chosen by Tom Cruise for many of the Mission: Impossible films and is recognized as a pioneer in the action genre, has assisted the actor in performing feats deemed impossible through exhilarating stunts that entice audiences to watch each sequel. Interestingly, it’s not widely known that McQuarrie started his career by creating very different movies. The Usual Suspects was only his second screenwriting credit, and many would argue it is his most significant work because it earned him an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. However, despite its enduring appeal today, McQuarrie feels that the crime thriller might not succeed now due to one key reason: it would be almost impossible to maintain the Keyser Söze twist as a secret in today’s digital age, with information easily leaking online.

Presently, McQuarrie is publicizing the newest addition to the Mission: Impossible series, titled Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning. Recently, the director conducted a workshop at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival, where all attention was drawn towards Cruise’s unexpected visit. However, McQuarrie took the opportunity to discuss his past work, namely The Usual Suspects, its moderate box office earnings, and the bone-chilling twist that unfolded in the film’s closing moments.

The movie was screened for just a few weeks in theaters. It managed to recoup its investment, but soon after, it was swiftly taken out of circulation and effectively faded away. It wasn’t until it began circulating on home video within the industry that it gained traction among people by the time the Academy Awards rolled around.

It seems challenging, especially given our current digital age and understanding of films on a deeper level, to surprise audiences with unexpected twists.

The Usual Suspects boasts an impressive ensemble of actors such as Benicio del Toro, Gabriel Byrne, Kevin Spacey, Chazz Palminteri, Giancarlo Esposito, Dan Hedaya, Stephen Baldwin, Kevin Pollak and Pete Postlethwaite, to name a few. The film was once directed by Bryan Singer, but after his downfall, it has become challenging for some viewers to re-watch due to the central role played by the now-controversial Kevin Spacey.

1) This movie received overwhelming praise and boasts a “Fresh” certification on Rotten Tomatoes, with an impressive 87% approval from critics and a stunning 96% satisfaction rating among audiences. In addition, Kevin Spacey’s acting in the film garnered it a Best Supporting Actor award at the Oscars.

McQuarrie Also Candidly Offered His Opinion on Theatrical Releases

Initially, Cruise wasn’t slated to attend the event, but later decided to participate in a conversation with McQuarrie about the legacy of the director and the recently released Mission: Impossible movie. When asked if The Final Reckoning marked Ethan Hunt’s last film appearance, Cruise simply said, “I prefer everyone to watch it and enjoy.” He also complimented McQuarrie, who had directed him in Jack Reacher earlier. Towards the end, McQuarrie took the microphone to discuss the controversy surrounding theatrical releases, the idea of opening weekend success, and the undeniable importance of blockbusters.

One essential aspect of cinema is its opening weekend, which pushes it to work harder. The question becomes: how long will I last in theaters and how many viewers can I attract? This challenge maintains authenticity and discourages complacency in my opinion.

If you point out a director with complete artistic liberty, I’ll reveal one who’s creating a movie primarily for an exclusive audience. In essence, my story isn’t meaningful if just a hundred people choose to watch it.

McQuarrie expressed his viewpoint on the rivalry between studios, stating he doesn’t support this idea. Instead, he believes cooperation yields better results, especially when a Hollywood legend such as Tom Cruise praises a fresh release: “It’s essential for us to collaborate and uplift one another. That’s why you observe Tom endorsing films that others might consider rivals. We don’t compete with anyone. Tom Cruise is only competing against himself.

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2025-05-18 02:05