Identity

If ever there was a reason not to watch trailers, Identity stands up there. In a remarkable over sight, the trailer gives away the very device which makes the film so good. So don’t watch it before you see the film!

As with a lot of “You’ll never guess the twist!” films, it’s hard not to try and work it out before you’ve sat down and started watching it, but Identity will keep you guessing throughout, and very clever it is too. Some might have a problem with the conclusion, declaring it ‘ridiculous’, but they would do well to remember what’s led them to this point.

Playing like a Hitchcock film, but with 21st Century film-making sensibilities, Identity rockets along, quickly involving you in the set up as ten strangers end up in a deserted motel, totally isolated from anyone else. For me, the beginning of the film is a work of genius, utilizing a terrific script device of working backwards to explain how they all ended up at the motel. From there on in it’s a guessing game as to who the next victim is, and indeed, who’s doing the gruesome murders.

Peppered throughout the film are moments that make you go cold, or keep your head ticking – never quite giving away the secrets, but certainly giving you food for thought. The pacing is well handled, and despite being in the one location for the majority of the film, the tension and interest is held.

The cast are uniformly good. The ever reliable John Cusack plays off wild card Ray Liotta very well, and their casting in particular is very clever, utilizing the audiences pre-conceptions about the parts the actors are best known for. Special mention should go to Amanda Peet as the whore with a secret. Her screen presence is matched by her striking features, and the girl’s gonna have a nice career in Hollywood methinks.

All in all then, Identity is a corking little film, and comes highly recommended. Just don’t let anyone tell you the identity of the killer, it won’t ruin the movie, but it’ll spoil a lot of your fun.

- Not bad says TJ
- Fletch likes it!