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Identity [2003]


RRP: £19.99
Our Price: £2.99 (subject to change)

Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review

With an ace up its sleeve, Identity does for schizophrenia what The Silence of the Lambs did for fava beans and a nice Chianti. On the proverbial dark and stormy night, this anxiety-laced thriller offers a tasty blend of And Then There Were None and Psycho, with a dash of Sybil for extra spice and psychosis. Things go from bad to worse when 10 unrelated travellers converge at an isolated motel and proceed to die, one by one, with no apparent connection...until they discover the common detail that's drawn them into this nightmare of relentless trauma.

Even while its take on abnormal psychology fails to impress, Michael Cooney's screenplay offers meaty material for a superior ensemble cast including John Cusack and Rebecca DeMornay (who wins the Janet Leigh prize in a bitchy comeback role). Director James Mangold pivots the action around one character (played by his Heavy star, Pruitt Taylor Vince, in eye-twitching cuckoo mode) and half the fun of Identity comes from deciphering who's who, what's what and who'll be the next to die. --Jeff Shannon


underrated
Review date: 2008-01-16 Rating: 6 out of 10

this is a good, ubt underrated suspense film with a good twist but it still doesn't have the killer plot to make me cower under the cushions in the dark. Its a good film to watch to while away the hours but its not something you should get your hopes up for!

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Reviews


The Ending
Review date: 2007-09-03 Rating: 2 out of 10

I am unable to review this film as I have decided not to rent it since 'Danny Sigma' thoughtfully gave the ending away in his review. There seemed little point in watching it following this. Please use spoiler alert Danny, or better still don't mention the ending!!

An intersting twist on the horror/thriller genre.
Review date: 2007-08-17 Rating: 8 out of 10

Having randomly stumbled across this DVD recently I had vague recollections about the quality of the film. I can't remember reading much about how amazing it was, but at the same time I couldn't remember too many negative comments. I thought I would give it a go and I am so glad I did.

This film is very underrated, and builds up to a surprising (if somewhat strange) twist at the end. Viewed a second time it is interesting to see just how many hints there were as to what is happening, and you cant believe you didn't see it coming the first time round. All the characters are played extremely well by all involved. The characters are interesting, as opposed to the standard cardboard cut out characters we usually get in this type of horror/thriller. There are numerous plot twists throughout to keep you guessing and also flashbacks which help to establish why the characters all arrived at the motel on the same night.

The film also allows the audience to become totally engrossed in what is happening. The story unravels slowly, and lets you put the pieces together rather than assuming you are a moron and simply relying on the characters exposition to tell the story.

Overall this is a superb horror/thriller. As with a lot of this type of film your overall enjoyment will be judged on the twist at the end. I thought it was great as it was at least something which has not been done hundreds of times before.


Really good premise not quite what I hoped
Review date: 2007-07-18 Rating: 6 out of 10

Identity is an interesting film in that it takes a well recorded idea (throwing a small band of unwilling people into a nasty situation) and twisting it with a supernatural edge. The cast do a decent job in conveying their fear and the film benefits from being set in the pouring rain late at night. However, I found the film poor. I don't know who decided on the ending but it was just a shame. For all the build up which I enjoyed and the inevitable grizzly killings along the way the ending lets this film down. Some will surely believe this to be a classic or great film. I'm not one of them, although I can't pretend it doesn't start well. If only it could have maintained that.

Intriguing and gripping pscychological thriller
Review date: 2007-02-18 Rating: 10 out of 10

Identity is a dark movie - literally as most of the action happens at night in pouring rain that sounds really wet - which reinforces the claustrophibic atmosphere created throughout. The acting, particularly John Cusack, Alfred Molina and Ray Liotta is strong and convincing and the story stays with you. By using flashbacks, sometimes layered 2 or 3 levels, this intelligent film gets under the skin of the characters', makes you work to understand what is going on, and keeps you guessing right up to the final frame. It is one of the very best films I've ever seen. I've watched it twice now and I have to say that the depth of the idea, the quality of the acting and the direction keeps you gripped, even when you know the story - which just underpins the brilliance of this film.

Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
Amanda Peet
John Cusack
John Hawkes
Alfred Molina
Ray Liotta

Creators:
John Cusack (Primary Contributor)
Ray Liotta (Primary Contributor)

Director(s):

Recording label: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
EAN: 5035822414532
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL, Widescreen,
Release date: 2004-01-12
Number of discs: 1
Aspect ratio: 2.40:1
Audience rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 86 minutes
Theatrical release date: 2003-04-25
Language: English (Original Language)

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