Movie Review: Identity

Identity

There's nothing worse than a scary movie you can figure out. I figured Identity out relatively quickily. And then I figured it out again. In fact, I was pretty sure I knew what was going on fifteen or twenty times. The problem is I was always wrong. And every time I thought things were resolved, at least temporarily, I jumped in my seat at an unexpected shock. In other words, Identity is pretty much just as billed: a really frightening psychological thriller.

The movie employs some creative edits (reminiscent in some ways of that brilliant independent film Memento) to set the stage and introduce us to the characters involved. The group of seemingly unrelated people, all caught in a bad rain storm, end up together at a seedy motel in the middle of the Nevada desert. Some are headed west, others east. A few are going home, the rest are looking for something else. They represent a wide spectrum of humanity in social class, education, and behavior. And they have one overriding thing in common: they're all terrified as, one by one, people in the motel begin to be violently murdered. As the group huddles together, trying to figure out what's marked them all for death, first one and then another becomes the prime suspect. The closer the group gets to figuring out what's going on, the more scared each becomes. And more to the point, despite their many theories and a good deal of evidence pointing one way or another, do they really know what's happening at all?

John Cusack is the nominal star of what is largely an ensemble cast. Even those with smaller roles have some juicy scenes to play, and each renders a poignantly real character even when onscreen time is limited. Cusack (Ed) is understated, but his inner conflict is almost palpable as he finds himself once more in a role he thought he'd escaped. Ray Liotta (does anyone else have trouble seeing him onscreen without remembering his stint as a dinner guest in Hannibal?) plays Rhodes, who quickly tries to take charge despite the rest of the group looking to Ed. Amanda Peet (Paris) could have made her prostitute a caricature, but made her both tough and sympathetic instead. Rebecca De Mornay and Clea DuVall (Caroline and Ginny) are good. Jake Busey (Robert) is at his demented best. And other members of the cast (particularly John C. McGinley) are also able. The real star of Identity, though, is the script.

With its terrific script and a director who resisted turning Identity into an exaggeration of itself, the movie turned out to be a real delight for horror afficianados like myself and the friend with me in the theatre. We found ourselves jumping, grasping each others' arms, and simultaneously raising our hands to our mouths in shock or horror. We had high hopes for Identity after having seen some very intriguing previews. After our theatrical experience, I think I can safely say that neither of us were disappointed.

FAMILY SUITABILITY: Identity is rated R. There is some very graphic violence, and the entire film is very scary and very intense. I could not recommend Identity for anyone under the age of 16. But for the rest of you, if you can stomach the gore (although the film is bloody, I don't believe any of the violence was gratituitious), Identity is a hell of a ride.