Part 3/9:
The Birth of a Story
The story's genesis is equally fascinating. Writer Christopher McQuarrie pitched the idea to his high school friend and director Brian Singer after screening their feature debut at the 1993 Sundance Film Festival. Inspired by a Spy Magazine article and a classic Casablanca line, McQuarrie envisioned a character being interrogated in a chaotic office, ultimately revealing a much deeper and convoluted narrative.
McQuarrie drew from his own unfinished pages, layering in multiple perspectives and twists. This intricate structure relied heavily on Verbal’s unreliable narration—delivering flashbacks that led the audience astray. Known for crafting compelling dialogue and layered characters, McQuarrie navigated a challenging task in building tension and intrigue.