Studying The Usual Suspects : Instructor's Edition

The story of The Usual Suspects has the kind of "rags to riches" back story that makes not only the film itself, but the tale of its creation a tale worth telling.

Inspired by a magazine headline, it was a poster before it was a screenplay, yet it stands in opposition to the High Concept Hollywood movie.

Studying The Usual Suspects is an analysis of a film that is both a ripping yarn and an exercise in virtuoso technique.

Author Judith Gunn offers: a thorough introduction to semiotics as a way of approaching the multiple meanings of the film; a consideration of the film's noir antecedents and influences; a discussion of the film's playful approach to narrative; an overview of John Ottman's unique role as both composer and editor and how this affects the finished article, including a shot-by-shot analysis of the dramatic and mysterious opening sequence; and a definitive account of the film's genesis from idea to film festival acclaim.