Film noir so deliciously old-school it should have been filmed in black and white.

Rating: 10/10 (29 September 2003)

Identity is a stylish and toney film noir so deliciously old-school it should have been filmed in black and white. Some of the comments I have seen regarding this film indicate that most viewers didn't get it. That's understandable since it wasn't rolled out like a red carpet or spoon fed like most other movies.
This movie was infinitely more imaginative and entertaining than the vapid and dreary poser film "Memento" that so many here enjoyed for some reason that still escapes me. It succeeds where Memento fails, and delivers substance and style where Memento relies on device and contrivance.
John Cusack contributes immeasurably to this film, as he does to everything he does, but this is decidedly an ensemble piece. Despite comments elsewhere that indicate a lack of understanding of literary craft, the non-linear delivery is classic noir and takes full advantage of a genre that lesser films have tried to mine without out success.
Take your copy of Memento to a used disc store and see if they'll buy it back. Use the proceeds to buy Identity and your DVD collection will be vastly improved.