Identity
| release date | April 25 2003 |
| studio | Sony |
| director | James Mangold |
| writer | Michael Cooney |
| starring | John Cusack, Ray Liotta, Amanda Peet |
| rating | R |
| tagline | The secret lies within |
| site | sonypictures.com/movies/identity |
| trailer 1 | Trailer #1 |
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Great movie but you can only watch it once cau once you do and know the ending you never need to watch it again.
Blueprint for high tension. Once you’ve seen it the poster is smart and cool.
This is probaly one of the most confusing movies I’ve ever seen I was like 10 when it came out and i’ve watched it like 50times. Yes I’m that young. This is one of my all time favorite movies. The suspense that the movie sets into motion from the minute it starts to the seconds leading up to the credits. This movie is going to be remembered for a long time. Have to give it 5Skulls!
I really loved this. I had been looking for it for quite a while before I saw it, and I was not disappointed. There were a few moments that stood out as not-so-good (I can’t think of any off the top of my head, just that there were some), but nothing to totally take me out. Also, the twist was genious — I went in knowing there was a twist, and I was still shocked somehow.
Smart and fun movie….
“Because of what seem to be unusual circumstances, eleven people, strangers to each other outside of their respective ‘groups’ (two families, two professional associations), end up stranded in a desolate Nevada motel on a dark, stormy night. One of the “strangers” is a death row murderer being escorted to another prison for execution. When bodies start turning up and the murderer goes missing, he’s the obvious suspect. But things are not what they seem. Identity provides a “double mystery”–a traditional whodunit and an increasingly bizarre “rubber reality” mystery that we must figure out along with the characters.
This is my second viewing of Identity. I didn’t like it quite as much this time, although it still earned a “B”. The two aspects I had a slight problem with on the second go-round were one, the plot didn’t quite envelop me to the same extent (maybe because I remembered the twist?) and two, since first watching it, I’ve seen a lot more films in the rubber reality genre, and Identity is nowhere near as mind-bending as many other examples. Still, this is a great film, with a lot of assets.
Director James Mangold effectively employs a number of interesting techniques here. The main standout in the first reel is the use of Tarantino-like “multiple viewpoint” shots, where we see the same span of time from one character’s point of view, then another, then another. He also effectively creates two very attractive atmospheres, especially for fantasy fans–a “Twilight Zone”(1959)-like conundrum and a sustained dark ambiance. The Twilight Zone aspect makes itself most obvious beginning with the scene where the convict, Robert Maine (Jake Busey), tries to flee, but discovers that he’s still at the motel, after all. The constant, Blade Runner (1982)-like rain underscores the dark ambiance, which is reminiscent of films such as Fallen (1998) and Se7en (1995).
While Identity isn’t exactly a bastion of graphic violence, there are a number of strongly visceral scenes and shots that are extremely well done and effective for seeming realistic. The atmosphere is also greatly enhanced by the hotel set, which matches the Bates Motel from Psycho (1960) in dingy gloom. The film also has a wonderfully nihilistic ending.
Even though I wasn’t as enraptured in suspense this time, one is still drawn into the film by the gradual quickening and spiraling of loss of control experienced by the characters. While slowly killing each one of them off as they’re stuck in an isolated setting is a traditional “10 Little Indians” horror film motif that writer Michael Cooney employs, the Twilight Zone aspects allow him to trump the sense of horror and despair, as the surviving characters come to realize that they are not in charge of their own lives, they can’t call the shots, and their illusions about their realities crumble before their eyes.
One of the negatives is that the rubber reality resolution is a bit too telegraphed, too overt. The solution is given too early, and ends up being spelled out note-for-note. It’s a bit like giving a lecture on a joke right after one gives the punch line. It might be difficult to blame either Cooney or Mangold with this, however, as American film studios and test audiences are notoriously allergic to ambiguity, which is depressing, because I love ambiguity in films. Still, maybe the Identity is just easier to figure out when you’ve seen tens of rubber reality flicks. When I watched the film upon its theatrical release, I overheard more than one fellow theater-goer still trying to figure out the gist as the lights came up.
One might be tempted to claim that Mangold under-uses his fine cast–who all turn in excellent performances, including one of my favorite character actors, John C. McGinley. But on the other hand, it makes sense that there is this large number and broad range of characters. Under this scenario, you either under-use them or you’ve got a 3-hour-plus film (not that I’d complain about a 3-hour-plus film).
Of course the theme of the film, as well as all of the subtexts, has to do with personal identity, and especially veiled personal identity. None of the characters are who they seem. Most of them are lying to each other in some way when they first meet, and even some of the ones who know each other already are also lying to each other. Cooney and Mangold explore the various social facts, actions, ceremonies, rituals and so on that help provide personal identity for us, such as birthdates, names, residency, marriages, benevolent versus criminal or unethical actions, and occupations. They also explore a more dynamic identity of action, as relationships continually shift throughout the film.” — Brandt Sponseller, imdb.com
what a masterpiece of a movie this turned out to be, bringing back a simple formula of strangers stranded at a motel during a thick storm, unfolds itself slowly into a very interesting film with a great idea. great cast and acting.
very well written.
the fat guy makes me laugh all the time
Twisted, schizophrenic, original, and with the modern version of the Bates Motel!
If you still haven’t seen this one… MOVE!
sweet movie
Awesome. No other words can say it. Identity has twist after twist soon it becomes one twisted piece of art.
damn this movie was good and it has a story that should be confusing but it isn’t confusing at all it’s made to entertain and keep you guessing to the end it’s flawless =]
Identity is the greatest mystery/suspense movie that I have ever seen. The script is flawlessly written and a great cast was chosen. I am no person who goes around rating everything higher than others think it should be, but I honestly believe that this is one of those movies that deserves a 5/5. In 2003, this movie made me begin watching suspense films where the killer is unknown which brought me to the world of slasher films which then made horror my favorite genre.
i was the only person on here who thought this was shit……well it was.shitty shit shit.
very intelligent movie. great writing executed flawlessly. again, john cusack is the man!
No doubt identity is a watchable mystery-suspense movie and very confusing. But what baffles me is the boy killer- could someone explain to me how a little boy in a hotel could go on murdering a number of people. Is he some sort of superboy!Also we understand it’s about multiple personality disorder, right, and this is clearly not some demoniac film, horror yes. My point being then that it’s not as if the demon from the convicted killer got into the mind or body of the little boy and made him do all the killings. That would have been realistic,plausible. So could someone or the director or the producer explain please. thanks.
Hassam
Huge surprise when I first saw it, great gore, good killings and an excellent plot to keep trailing you right along, almost hearkens back to old school mysteries like itself.
Homages many things, and the way it tells each character’s story at the beginning is excellent. I love Jake Busey in this too, and Ray Liotta is awesome. The story twists and turns, never quite knowing what’s going on, until it actually happens, and then your jaw is dropped.
Really great and a huge surprise for this viewer.
awesome movie with a very good twist.keep you at your edge of the seat from the beggining.
This was an awesome movie,I remeber this coming out in the 2 dollar theatre and my friends and I had nothing else to do so we thought this looked like the best out of the other 2 movies and it sure was.
Great murder/mystery will keep you guessing the whole time, with a good and original twist.
Nice twist, and the character development is great, but it’s nowhere near perfect.
A brillant movie full of great actors and amazing twists. Breathtaking!
This movie is an excellent example of nearly flawless execution. If I were to compare it to football, this movie would be successful trick play. If the team executes the little things well, the play is a huge success; if the team executes the play poorly, it blows up in their face. This movie concentrates on getting the little things right, and lets the audience have fun.
If you’re expecting blood, gore, and terror, then you’re going to hate this movie. If you’re looking for an intelligent little film that keeps you guessing while giving you a fun little ride all the way through, then you’ll probably really enjoy this movie.
I won’t lie, ever since Grosse Pointe Blank I’ve had a man-crush on John Cusack. So when he does horror or thrillers, I usually don’t leave the movie disappointed (*usually* I’m looking at you “2012″). But I think Cusack gives the movie just enough quirky – likeability to really sell his character. But Cusack’s not the only actor to nail his part: Amanda Peet gives her character depth, and of course Ray Liotta will keep you wondering, “can it really be this cut and dry?” The secondary characters give you enough (sometimes more than enough – John McGinley) to keep you interested in who’s next.
The storyline’s simple, you lock up people in a motel and you start killing them. But they do something must films don’t bother to do (or fail at it when they try to), they give you a real reason as to why this is happening. Throw some successful subplots and twists in there, and you’ve got yourself a pretty good movie.
This is one of those movies that I can watch over and over and be entertained – it doesn’t have a knock you dead storyline, it won’t blow you away with its deaths, it won’t even creep you out while you try to figure out who the killer is, this isn’t a film that’s groundbreaking by any means. But what this movie will do is keep you entertained and give you a fun ride – Mr. Mangold knew what he had and knew that with the cast he had around him, he could really sell this movie.
Really fun and thought provoking movie but it has its share of flaws. Definitely check it out though.
What a film…
What is with the high marks! This film was predictable shit!
It was fun but far form great.
njoyd dis roller coaster ride…..wid a g8 cast n an engrossin story it wuz worth every second…..nt a classic per se bt a pretty damn good movie…..
Extremely good movie.
Good story line with an unpredictable twist at the end.
One of my favourite movies.
What a setting for a movie! This movie shows the result of good casting. Ray Liotta is a bad ass in every movie hes in, good or bad. The editing in the beginning of this movie does a good job of building its characters. I wish we could of seen more deaths but i guess it would be hard to do so without revealing the ending twist. A good movie to watch on a stormy night.
Identity shows us that with a great scrpit and great actors we can have a suspenseful, thrilling, and entertaining horror film. I loved every little detail that James Mangold put into this film. Indentity offers tons of twist and turns that keeps you guessing till the unpredictable plot twist. I also enjoyed all the character development that went into this film. It’s truly makes you fear for the charcters. Identity is one horror film that needs to be watch and puzzled over and over again.
Satisfying horror/mystery has a good cast and a good story. Watch as the motel guests drop like flies, one after the other. Expect a few suprises too.
Great horror/thriller flick. Totally satisfied my quench for something new and fresh. This movie took a new idea and just went wild. The ending was a total mind fuck. This had all the elements that i love in a thriller, wrong man accused, people dying left right and center, etc. Overall i just love this movie, definetly worth a couple watches for sure.
This movie was one hell of a ride! i must have seen it more than 10 times just cuz of the sheer brilliance that this movie is! It Does perfectly well to keep the viewers glued to their seats right from the opening credits to the end.. and keep them guessing! i would definitely recommend this to all the people out there.. its a must watch movie! the best part is the unpredictable twist in the end.. which honestly no one will see coming at all! certainly one of the best twist endings in a movie i have seen so far! This is psychological thriller at it’s finest!
“When I was going up the stairs I met a man who wasn’t there He wasn’t there again today I wish, I wish He’d go away”
You’re fucking full of shit if you say you know the ending to “Identity”. Unless your name is Michael Cooney or you read a review that spoiled the whole goddamn movie for you, “Identity” will have you guessing until the credits roll. I won’t spoil it for you, just SEE the movie.
This movie is what the old TV Guide would call a “thriller”. Remember that? Highest possible recommendation. Yeah, it’s that fucking good.
this movie was way to predictable to be any fun. i just cannot get over how i knew what was going to happen, and everybody else in the room was baffled by every scene. there is really not a thing about this movie that i liked. and once again Cusack fails to be anything more than the same character that he has played his whole life. two severed thumbs down!!
From start to finish a great movie
Confusing film.
People that say this is confusing don’t have a brain…it’s called a twist and you actually have to be watching the film to understand what is going on….and what happened in this film was great. Still one of my favorite twists. This film has a wonderful cast and a wonderful story. Everything is really well done.
…
good movie, i liked the twist at the end of the movie. good acting and some interesting kills worth a watch
LOVE this movie! It had an amazing stalker feel to it with lots of suspense! Just my kind of movie. UNTIL the dreaded got to shock the audience ending. Hated that but the movie makes up for it. Just wish it would have been a normal person out of the bunch. Oh well call me old but I’m sick to death with those kind of endings.
A suspenseful, interesting and intense ride!
Suspenseful, but it was a film that didn’t manage to suck me in as well as it has others.
Didn’t find this scary at all, slightly interesting twist with the characters, but was only lightly touched upon really. The actual action was a bit tame and I felt there was a lack of suspense.
a very nice movie which offers a lot of suspense,great violent scenes,no boredom at all and awesome acting
it keeps the audience thrilled till the very last scene due its surprising development
the only thing I didn’t really like is the fact that the whole thing was in a lunatics imagination
it would be a lot better if the killing spree happened for real(I mean in the movie)
I enjoyed the suspense and the twist. Keeps you guessing throughout.
Hobo Approved(TM)
A fun who-dun-it killer thriller with a twisted ending no one could guess. Ray Liotta, Amanda Peet, and others are stranded at a stormy motel in the middle of nowhere. One by one each suspect turns into the next victim until you are left with only a hint of who the true killer could be.
I’m glad to see this rated so high. It really deserves it. Granted, it’s not HORROR per se, but a hardcore thriller. It WILL keep you guessing, and just when you have it figured out, it surprises you! One of the best “twist movies” I have ever seen.
As far as adaptations go it was surprisingly decent, however given the source material the twist was not all that shocking. The cast makes this film work, except for Ray Liotta he hams it up a little too much. The atmosphere becomes just a little too brooding and falls into the room marked overkill, however my complaint is not with the film itself it is with the poster. If you have seen the movie take a look at the poster for a minute and realize they ruined their film with it. Overall it is a good watch with a few friends so long as you do not watch it with one of those people who say they knew the ending the whole time.
A dark and stormy night. Many cars stranded in muck. A fatal collision between human flesh and hard metal. All three of these things contribute to the gathering of ten strangers in a single location – a Motel somewhere in Nevada -, an element which is the drive for the rest of the plot to come in James Mangold’s “Identity”. The story was inspired by an Agatha Christie mystery story – “And Then There Were None” – and indeed there is a mystery at the core. These people really don’t know one another, even if potential connections are seemingly implied at every twist and turn that the decidedly simple tale takes.
I don’t think it’s essential to name any of these people. I will just list their occupations. There is a husband (John C. McGinley), the ill-fated wife (Leila Kenzle), a mute child (Bret Loehr), a limo driver (John Cusack), a prostitute (Amanda Peet), a lady newlywed (Clea DuVall), the male newlywed (William Lee Scott), a rich and snobby Hollywood actress (Rebecca De Mornay), a local police officer (Ray Liotta), an escape convict that he’s holding prisoner (Jake Busey), and the Motel owner (John Hawkes). A side-plot that, by the end, becomes something much more than that, involves a hearing for convicted murderer Malcolm Rivers (Pruitt Taylor Vince), his Samuel Loomis-like psychiatrist (Alfred Molina), and a record number of attorneys and lawyers.
So there are two stories going on at once; but by the end, let’s just say it all comes together. Who am I to say whether it does so convincingly or not? How you react to the twist ending, the resolution (if there really is one at all; I’m skeptical), and the overall payoff depends on whether you were able to buy into the premise and the characters that occupy the plot. In all honesty, I didn’t buy it. I found the situation and the end twist way too ridiculous; and when it all finally started to make a little sense, and all was revealed, the film should have ended, but unfortunately it goes on for a good unneeded couple dozen minutes more.
There’s some good acting put into the project, in spite of some truly absurd dialogue, and Mangold knows how to skillfully direct a thriller that serves its purpose for more than twenty minutes; but I can’t shake the feeling that “Identity”, a mystery-thriller with the side-sensibilities of a slasher picture, should have been so much better given the talent involves in its making. I liked the cinematography and a few of the performances are, as I mentioned, really good; but the tension doesn’t last long enough, and neither does the suspense. Personal opinions aside (you will either like this movie or you will not); mysteries need both of those ingredients to be successful. Or at least, last time I checked they did; but perhaps times have changed.
Nevertheless, “Identity” is a movie that commits an unspeakable, unforgivable sin; it is never boring, yet never completely believable. Beneath this imbalanced thriller, there’s a fairly good one; but too many distractions get in the way, to the point where I just couldn’t see anything good being derived out of the experience. Obviously, I’ll give credit where credit is due – and I already have – but what the film amounts to is a disappointingly mediocre experience with a slew of moments both good and maddeningly bad. Good or not, I’d still encourage anyone interested in either the thriller or horror genres to check this one out, as it embodies elements from both, although one might be discouraged when they discover that the film is doing nothing more (or less) than finding diversions and complications in order to engage, and if you ask me, that just isn’t right.
Smart, clever & wit this movie is brilliant its slow & partly boring in the first part, but once it start to gear the murders are ace, gore & blood is tasteful and standard amount used in the movie, the storyline & characterization is excellent, its twists will either impress you or bore you for it genre of horror/mystery/thriller movie. I like the whole countdown of people with the room number to the motel (e.g. 10. 9. 8 ect) leading to their deaths. The movies has a great cast line-up, which did a good job on the acting, the directions was fantastic as the whole movie just worked really well with the other side (mental patient) and it a terrific movie that kept you guessing, it had an odd & weirdo ending & whole the murder was and had a really spooky & creepy atmosphere to the movie (especial the score off the music set the whole freaked out atmosphere). (Also the movie title ‘Identity’ becomes very clear way it called this in the middle/end of the movie).
This movie is one of my favorite psychological thrillers. It is smart, witty, perfectly paced, and has the right amount of blood and gore. It is very dark and has a very good feel to it from start to finish. The first time I saw this movie, I was glued to the screen and couldn’t wait for the next kill. This is the type of movie that is so well thought out and leaves little holes, that you leave the theater or the movie, feeling satisfied and humored that you didn’t think of the answer right away. This in my opinion is brilliant that the writers and director were able to capture that in such an amazing way. The acting is great too, it is believable and yet relatable at the same time which is my opinion, most films are lacking. I have seen this movie many times since the first and still enjoy it each time, it is still fun and when watched late at night in the dark can still make me jump from time to time; awesome! I have always had a love for anything that has to do with psychology and crime, this fits that. And even though there is a man who has murdered people based on one of his many personalities, there is a point of softness the makes you feel sorry for Malcolm. Again, suburb.
Identity starts off brilliantly. It has various flash-backs and flash-forwards to keep you all entertained and works almost as a puzzle. It’s clever and engaging and lets us all get to know the wonderful array of characters who obviously end up stranded at a motel. From then on, Identity tries to pull in a slasher element that would work if it actually tried to be a horror film and not just a thriller with killings. I mean, if you look at James Mangold’s previous works, “3:10 to Yuma”, “Walk the Line” etc. He’s not exactly in touch with the horror genre and that’s almost what the film pretends to be.
Nevertheless it’s very entertaining, but could’ve been executed better. The cast is great and the writing intelligent. Identity thrives off its characters, all of them different and engaging. You have to have a reaction when one of them gets the chop! The trouble being that the chops aren’t very well done. Most of the kills are off-camera and don’t generate up a lot of tension. Howver, it’s the twist which the film thrives off. It had mixed reactions in my house. I thought it was really clever (although I had accidently read an element of it before I’d actually seen it) and although something similar is regularly done in today’s films (especially the horror genre) it was also buried under other elements which gives the film a whole new edge to it. Some might call it silly and pointless, but I call it original and intelligent.
Identity isn’t much of a horror film, which is a shame because I’m sure if it was approached as a slasher I’m sure I’d be giving it a solid 8. It does generate thrills but not as many as you might imagine. Perhaps if it was done today, it would’ve had a better look and feel to it. But that’s not to say it’s a bad film, because its not. It’s genuinely interesting, has fantastic character development and is also extremely atmospheric with its use of pathetic fallacy and claustraphobia. It’s worth a see, but don’t go expecting something as great as some people like to paint.