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Identity: A Classic Murder Mystery with a Psychological Twist

Identity is a film that continues to hold its ground as a compelling murder mystery, offering a unique narrative that delves into the complexities of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). Despite my limited knowledge of psychology, I found its portrayal of DID intriguing, particularly how the identities within a single mind eliminate each other to arrive at one dominant personality. While this may not be an accurate representation of therapeutic practices, it makes for a fascinating plot device.

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Engaging Mystery and Suspense

The film excels in creating suspense, making the audience suspect various characters trapped in a motel of being the killer. The script skillfully makes you believe it could be any one of five or so characters, keeping viewers on edge.

The movie offers a unique glimpse into DID by showing the internal conflict among different identities, each trying to assert dominance. While not necessarily realistic, it provides an interesting framework for the narrative.

Image by IMDb

Grounded Storytelling

The integration of "real-life" events involving the man with DID provides a grounded feel to the story. It seamlessly transitions from what appears to be two separate storylines into a cohesive narrative, enhancing the film’s overall impact.

Most characters' backstories are revealed through flashbacks, connecting their past actions to their current predicament at the motel. This storytelling method adds depth and context, making the mystery more engaging. Not all characters receive the same depth of backstory though. For instance, Larry’s narrative about finding the motel owner dead is told but not shown. Similarly, Ginny and Lou’s pasts are only hinted at, leaving gaps in their character development.

Image by This is Barry

Uneven Character Development

While the script makes several characters plausible suspects, others are clearly not. For instance, the convict or the limo driver are obvious suspects, but characters like the stuttering step-father, the fake pregnant woman, and the lady obsessed with picking oranges never seem threatening. This disparity can break the suspense for viewers.

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Predictable Twist

While the twist is cleverly executed, it might be predictable for some viewers. The reveal, although satisfying, may not be as shocking to those familiar with the genre. The frustrating part of this, is the rest of the movie is written so well with intrigue all across the landscape. From the sudden inclusion of Motel keys showing up on bodies, to the landscape seemingly looping onto its-self to the bodies disappearing, it keeps the viewer interested and on their toes.

Image by Signal Horizon

Final Thoughts

Identity still captivates with its intriguing plot and psychological depth, making it a worthwhile watch even after all these years. The film’s strengths lie in its unique portrayal of DID, engaging flashbacks, and the seamless blending of real-life events with the central mystery. Despite some uneven character development and a predictable twist, it remains an engrossing murder mystery.

Overall, I’d give Identity a 7 out of 10. It stands the test of time, and new viewers are likely to find themselves drawn into its web of intrigue and suspense.



Pros:

  • Great Story: Subverts expectations with a compelling murder mystery.
  • Intriguing Portrayal of a Hard Subject: Unique and interesting portrayal of DID.
  • 3-Dimensional Characters: Engaging flashbacks that provide depth to the characters.
  • Great Back and Forth: Seamless integration of real-life events.

    • Cons:

  • Unbalanced Arcs: Uneven character development with some non-threatening suspects.
  • Character Bias: Missed opportunities for more comprehensive backstories.
  • Familiar Trope: Predictable twist for some viewers.

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