Memento with an Identity Crisis

Rating: 10/10 (1 May 2004)

"Identity" is a surprise powerhouse.
John Cusack and Amanda Peet drew me to the movie. I was not prepared for the experience. James Mangold has created another film that is, at the least, consistent with his previous "Girl, Interrupted" (1999) and "Heavy" (1995).
Ten guests arrive at a "Bates" type motel and start dying. It sounds like the Agatha Christie classic "And Then There Were None" (1945 & 1975) a/k/a "Ten Little Indians" (1959, 1965 & 1989). . . but then it suggests that very theme. This is not the umpteenth remake, but rather a nice twist on the theme.
Who is the killer? Why are they being killed? What is going on? Sounds like Memento meets Christie. To my thinking -- it works on several levels. This is a film that you have to be ready to participate in . . . otherwise, save it until you have the energy.
John Cusack and Ray Liotta give very fine performances as would be expected. I think this is the best I have ever seen Amanda Peet. I hope director Mangold adds her to his acting company. Mangold has drawn another stellar performance from Pruitt Taylor Vince, who did such an excellent job in the Mangold's earlier referenced "Heavy" (1995).
It doesn't look like a $30 million movie, but it delivers much more. I suspect the budget was for the acting company that includes Cusack, Liotta, Vince and Clea DuVall. The acting troupe works!
Good direction. Very good acting. An excellent story. It is time to add James Mangold to my list of favored directors.
- Michael