2. PLOT SUMMARY
• A group of 10 strangers
end up stranded in a
remote motel, forced by an
uneasy storm. They are
prepared to stay the night
and wait for the rain to
calm when they discover
there is an unknown
murderer present
• Panic strikes as the blood
bath begins when, one by
one they start to
disappear in brutal and
mysterious ways
3. • They all begin blaming one another as each
individual is equally suspected for the murders in
question
• It is ultimately revealed that each character at the
motel is a figure of the antagonists multiple-
personality disorder
4. INTRODUCING NARRATIVE
• As the titles appear
and disappear, an
individual letter is
left from each to fade
alone. The title of the
film ‘Identity’ is then
gradually spelt using
each phonetic.
• This is a clear and
unique way of conveying
the basic premise of
the narrative: the
notion of ‘identity’
and more specifically
the protagonists.
5. • Furthermore the camera
zooms and pans across
fictional newspaper
articles, murder
investigation Polaroid's
and case files related to
what appears to be previous
massacres
• Each reveal information
about Malcolm Rivers, the
antagonist, and his past.
This in turn helps the
audience understand the
narrative and foreshadows
future events
6. • The use of mise-en-scene is particularly successful in
terms of introducing the narrative. In the background,
out of the pull focus, a neuroanatomy sculpture is used
as a prop. This could be seen as a subtle reminder of
the psychological complications embodied in the
antagonist and the problems the psychologist in the
opening sequence is trying to uncover.
7. INTRODUCING CHARACTER
• The opening sequence effectively utilizes sound as a
way of introducing character. The voice of the
antagonist, Malcolm Rivers, is the first thing to be
heard by the audience
• There are no images nor footage that accompany his
voice thus the audience are focused entirely on the
character and what it is he is saying
8. ESTABLISH ATMOSPHERE
• The use of lightening throughout the opening sequence
illustrates a threatening and uneasy mood. The room is
particularly dark and is lit using only a side and desk
lamp
• The rain seen outside the window is constant and
depicts an uncomfortable tone. Added to this, there is
occasional lightening which reinforces anxiety and
emphasises just how dark the room is when it stops
9. • Whilst going through
evidence there is an over
the shoulder shot of
somebody looking at the
evidence. The over the
shoulder shot helps set the
atmosphere as it looks as if
somebody is standing behind
and watching him. In this
way it prepares the audience
for the suspense aspect of
the thriller.
• In another shot we can see
what evidence the man is
looking at through the
reflection of his glasses.
This is an effective way to
show the evidence as well as
keeping the audience
interested.
10. AUDIENCES ATTENTION
• The way in which the opening
sequence is edited helps create
interest and curiosity and avoids
tediousness. For example, the
various pieces of evidence are
shown to the audience by flicking
through at a fast pace to the sound
of the tape recorder rewinding
• In this way the audience are not
bored left waiting for the camera
to pan and track along the parts of
Malcolm Rivers past
• Moreover it is interesting that
the sound of the tape rewinding is
used to accompany the portrayal of
earlier events, going back in time
11. • Another way in which the sequence attempts to attract
and maintain the audiences attention is through sound.
Whilst the recording of the interview is playing
throughout resulting in apprehension, further tension is
created with the use of non-diegetic sound
• The music is in a minor tone and is very eerie which
sets an atmosphere for the audience. It also has an
element of mystery in the music which is building up to
a climax and it makes the audience want to watch and
find out.
