Perhaps the most scathing criticism against Identity is how it bears an uncanny resemblance to Nicolas Cage's bogus, deliberately silly script The Three in Spike Jonze's Adaptation. Contrived high-concept aside, this thriller is a good example of cinematic guilty pleasure.
Identity features tight performances by a strong cast (Cusack and Liotta are always reliable, but watch out for John Hawkes' stellar turn as a sleazy motel owner) and an enjoyable variation of the classic "And then there were none" formula for contained thrillers. Mangold is a fine visual director; both set pieces and quieter character moments are lean and intelligently crafted.
7/10
Identity features tight performances by a strong cast (Cusack and Liotta are always reliable, but watch out for John Hawkes' stellar turn as a sleazy motel owner) and an enjoyable variation of the classic "And then there were none" formula for contained thrillers. Mangold is a fine visual director; both set pieces and quieter character moments are lean and intelligently crafted.
7/10