The Usual Suspects

The opening scene of The Usual Suspects is all about dominance. A series of low angle shots pan upward to focus in on Keyser above Keaton as he urinates on the fire from above. These low angle shots only increase the height of Keyser and hide his face from the view of the camera. Low key lightining adds to the mystery of the shadows and darkness which is exemplified in the film noir. The darkness, shadows, and flames in this scene further emphasize the devil/hell metaphors that often follow Keyser. The close up shot continues to follow the feat of Keyser, as the only sound which can be heard are his footsteps approaching Keaton. The flames in the background surround Keaton as an eye level angle of him glancing upward suggests a dominating figure above entrapping him to his death. A close up shot of Keyser's lighter igniting a flame further emphasizing his dominance and destruction. Even the sound of the lighter is heightened to the audience. The whole scene foreshadows elements that will piece together the story by the end of the film, the gold lighter and watch are no exception. Often, the camera pans to the entangled ropes which foreshadow later events as well. The iconic tilt of the gun and eery music adds to the gangster ambiance of the film as the two gun shots end the scene. 

As Verbal leaves the police station, the mystery of the story is finally revealed making it a key scene in conjunction with the rest of the film. The long shot of Verbal limping down the steps suggests an on- looker following Verbal as he proceeds down the street. No longer is the voice over done by the trusting narrative of Verbal as the clues of the story piece themselves together. Keyser is repeated constantly as characteristics of Verbal disappear. The shot pans down the street as Verbal passes the camera the eye level angle switches to a low angle. Furthermore, the shot becomes more close up as Verbal's identification becomes more clear. This switch in angles exemplifies the understanding of the audience of the identification of Keyser. Paralleling the first scene, the identification factor of Verbal's limp and nervousness disappears with the low angle shot. The lighting switches to high contrast in the background as Verbal/ Keyser is the low key element in the foreground. The foreshadowing of the gold watch and lighter is further justification of Verbal and Keyser's mutual identify. Verbal enters the black car as it approaches down the street leaving as mysteriously as Keyser's identity.