10 Iconic Movie Moments The Director Didn't Understand
6. Bryan Singer Was Not Amused By The Jovial Nature Of The Usual Suspects' Line Up Scene
There is no denying that The Usual Suspects is a well-written thriller that features committed performances from its cast and its plot twist has justifiably become a cultural staple since the 1995 feature's release. One of its most endearing sequences is easily the line-up scene, where audiences are properly introduced to the main cast and their captivating dynamic.
It is hilarious and establishes their personalities and tics without the need for unwieldy exposition. However, director Bryan Singer did not quite understand the shift in tone (the scene was originally written as a more serious affair) and because of this he was not impressed by the sudden and jocular mood on set.
Despite this disconnect, he kept the scene as it was in the final cut and the rest is history. Years after its release, scribe Christopher McQuarrie reinforced the idea that the change in tone helped the film better express its character dynamics and shared history.