10 More Great Movie Twists

As a supplement to my previous article, Top 10 Movie Twists, here are 10 More Great Movie Twists that are guaranteed to shock, awe, and possibly irritate you.

Obviously contains SPOILERS

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Fight Club (1999) – “I know this, because Tyler knows this.”

The Narrator (Edward Norton) and Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt) are the same person.

- One of the most spoiled twist endings. I knew about it well before I had seen the movie, removing any potential surprise or intrigue.

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Shutter Island (2010) – Never trust Max von Sydow (see Minority Report)

Teddy Daniels (DiCaprio) is actually patient Andrew Laeddis, having killed his own wife and children.

- In retrospect the twist is ridiculously illogical and contrived, almost leaving the viewer feeling cheated. However it’s executed masterfully, utterly blindsiding me and my expectations. Just when I was convinced that I had the story all figured out, the twist unraveled, completely kicking my prediction in the head.
Well played Mr. Scorsese … well played.

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Hot Fuzz (2007) – “Everyone and their mums is packin’ round here!”

Multiple killers. Everyone is in on it.

- Members of the Neighborhood Watch Alliance have been murdering troublesome people to ensure they win “Village of the Year” again. While the twist is intentionally stupid, it does set up an enjoyable, action-packed finale.

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The Usual Suspects (1995) – “Who is Keyser Soze?”

Verbal Kint (Kevin Spacey) is Keyser Soze.

- The source of countless parodies, bumbling and crippled Verbal is actually the criminal mastermind extraordinaire. For a film that blatantly deceives its audience from the get-go, it comes to a surprisingly satisfying and memorable conclusion.

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Eastern Promises (2007) – “For poetic reasons, I suggest you take his blood.”

Russian Mafia driver/enforcer Nikolai (Viggo Mortensen) is actually an undercover agent.

- I still can’t decide whether I like this twist or not. It makes sense and is believable but it doesn’t add much to the story, almost feeling like it was added as an afterthought.

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The Machinist (2004) – Have you lost weight?

Trevor Reznik’s (Christian Bale) encounters with Ivan, Marie, and Nicholas were all in his head.

- His delusions, weight loss, and insomnia are due to his guilt from having killed Nicholas in a hit-and-run. Turning himself in and confessing to the police, he is finally able to fall asleep in his jail cell.

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Les Rivières Pourpres [The Crimson Rivers] (2000) –  Double your pleasure, double your fun.

The killer is Fanny’s (Nadia Farès) identical twin sister, who was thought to be dead.

- She was seeking revenge, with Fanny’s help, by murdering those responsible for her being switched at birth. Starting out as a dark murder-mystery before delving into a conspiracy laced cover-up, at which point the contrivance start to pile up. An insane ending to a good, atmospheric thriller.

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L.A. Confidential (1997) – “Off the record, on the QT, and very hush-hush.”

Capt. Dudley Smith (James Cromwell) is a crooked cop. He takes over Mickey Cohen’s operation and kills everyone in his way.

- A real shocker. After the reveal scene, when Capt. Dudley turns and shoot Jack (Kevin Spacey), I almost couldn’t believe what I just saw. The buildup is perfect and execution is brilliant.

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Le Pacte des Loups [Brotherhood of the Wolf] (2001) – “I learned that sometimes one bullet doesn’t suffice.”

The Beast is actually a lion covered in armor. It is being controlled by Jean-François (Vincent Cassel) at behest of the Nobles to undermine the King’s power.

- A fictional story ‘based’ on real events (Beast of Gévaudan.) Until the reveal, the Beast is presented as a supernatural and unkillable monster with Jean-François aiding in the attempt to hunt it.

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Oldboy (2003) – Revenge is a dish best served … disgustingly.

Dae-su Oh was kidnapped and imprisoned for 15 years by Woo-jin Lee. It was revenge for, during their childhood, exposing Woo-jin Lee ‘relationship’ with his own sister, which lead to her suicide. Also, Mi-do, the girl Dae-su Oh falls in love with and has sex with upon his release is actually his daughter! Another part of Woo-jin Lee revenge.

- Who thinks of this shit!? Amazing that the story is the most sick and disturbing part of the film, considering it contains many visually graphic scenes, including torturous tooth extraction and self-cut tongue removal.