Identity (2003)

[broadway86]

Posted: 2/23/05 at 1:37pm

I was watching this last night, for the 400th time. I really do love this movie. It is a well-written, beautifully shot, meticulously edited, impeccably cast thriller.

For those who don't know the plot: On a lonely night... on a desolate road in Nevada, ten strangers wind up at the same creaky motel. Before long, they start being killed off by a mysterious killer. At the same time, a psychopath is called to a hearing the night before his execution. What's the connection?

As far as modern horror movies go, you can't do better than "Identity". The dialogue is quick, the murder scenes are elaborate, and the movie itself is just plain spooky. Among the recognizable faces in the cast are John Cusack, Amanda Peet, Ray Liotta, Rebecca De Mornay, John Hawkes, John C. McGinley, Clea DuVall, William Lee Scott, and Alfred Molina. Cusack, Peet, and Hawkes are the standouts.

There are several twists in the film; all of them as surprising and meaningful as the one that came before it. In the end, "Identity" is a disturbing and unusually intelligent little number that feels like there is some actual thought behind it. It feels organic, and I don't feel cheated when it's over.

This film has its fans and detractors, but I think this one is highly underrated. Those who are tired of all of the "Boogeyman" and "White Noise" garbage movies should see this.

[Type_A_Tiff]

Posted: 2/23/05 at 1:42pm

I liked the premise, loved the cast, but HATED the ending./ What a cop out.

[popcultureboy]

Posted: 2/23/05 at 1:42pm

As far as modern horror movies go, you can't do better than "Identity"

I couldn't disagree more. I was kind of liking it up until it threw in the worst twist in movie history. It's not actually a twist, it's a cheat and it RUINS the movie for me.

[broadway86]

Posted: 2/23/05 at 1:42pm

Why is that? PM me if you get a chance.

EDIT: I have to disagree about it being a cheat or a copout. There are many, many clues throughout the film. On repeated viewings, I was actually ashamed that I didn't pick up on them before. Updated On: 2/23/05 at 01:42 PM

[#1Elphie]

Posted: 2/23/05 at 1:44pm

I thought this movie was great! I thought the twist at the end was clever, I certainly didn't see it coming. Great acting, too.

[WindyCityActor]

Posted: 2/23/05 at 3:11pm

I always get a kick out of it because I went to school with Pruitt Taylor Vince, who plays the the puffy, pasty guy sentenced to death (in the scenes outside the hotel).

[zepka102]

Posted: 2/23/05 at 3:16pm

i thought it was a great movie, but i thought The Ring was better :P

[BSoBW2]

Posted: 2/23/05 at 3:30pm

I love this movie (The Ring sucked)

[broadway86]

Posted: 2/23/05 at 4:04pm

I love "The Ring".