LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Bryan Singer: Usual Suspects
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Before embarking on the Superman sequel, Singer openly discussed helming a smaller project going back to the days of thrillers The Usual Suspects and Apt Pupil. In late 2006, screenwriter Christopher McQuarrie presented to Singer a story that took place in World War II. In the following months, the two collaborated on the project, an original thriller that would be a multi-character ensemble piece. In March 2007, the duo brought the project directly to United Artists partners Paula Wagner and Tom Cruise, who immediately agreed to finance the film. The script is based on the actual events of German generals plotting to assassinate Adolf Hitler during World War II. Singer invited Tom Cruise to take the lead role, which Cruise accepted.
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The epic action-adventure directed by Bryan Singer (X-Men, The Usual Suspects), will be transformed into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience(R) through IMAX DMR(R) (Digital Re-Mastering) technology. The film will be simultaneously released to IMAX(R) and conventional theatres on June 30, 2006. Warner Bros. Pictures will be the exclusive distributor of the film to the growing IMAX theatre network worldwide.
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Bryan grew up with childhood friend Ethan Hawke, and attended USC school of visual arts. His first film The Lion’s Den starred himself and Hawke paving the way for his first competition bound independent film Public Access, a scathing look at the temptations of society garnered great reviews and helped Singer find backing for his next film The Usual Suspects. The movie cost under a million dollars to make and was the most well received film of the year, by both critics and audiences. Next up Bryan moved on to the Stephen King penned Apt Pupil, a controversial film about a one time Nazi soldier, now elderly man, who is found out by a young neighbour. The film showcased the talents of Ian McKellen. Singer would team up with McKellen again for the most anticipated live action comic book adaptation, The X-Men.
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Valkyrie is directed by Bryan Singer, who previously directed The Usual Suspects, X-Men 1 & 2, and Superman Returns. The film's screenplay was written by Christopher McQuarrie (The Usual Suspects, The Way of the Gun) and Nathan Alexander. Valkyrie arrives in theaters next summer on June 27th, 2008.
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Two years later in 1995, Singer, in collaboration with McQuarrie, Ottman, and Kokin, had his true breakthrough with The Usual Suspects. A twisting, insanely intricate whodunit that was as remarkable for the strength of its ensemble cast (which featured Kevin Spacey, Chazz Palminteri, Gabriel Byrne, and Pete Postlethwaite) as its almost obsessive complexity, the film was an unanticipated commercial and critical success, earning a slew of international awards which included Oscars for Spacey as Best Supporting Actor and McQuarrie for Best Original Screenplay.
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The trades anticipated Singer's involvement with the 20th Century Fox property X-Men: The Last Stand, and reported a projected release date of June 2006, but all did not go according to plan. Fox purportedly shut Singer out, and instead signed on Rush Hour helmer Brett Ratner, while Warner Bros. and Peters Entertainment tapped Singer (doubtless drawing on his superhero expertise) to head up 2006's highly-anticipated and plugged Superman Returns. Singer hearkened back to Usual Suspects pal Kevin Spacey to assume the position of the diabolical Lex Luthor, and enlisted Brandon Routh (a neophyte with no prior big screen appearances) to inherit the Man of Steel from the late Christopher Reeve.
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