Individual Review - Identity

Individual Review of a Psychological Horror

Identity - 2005

We have a close up as the first shot of the entire film. The shot shows a close up of a cassette tape with a person's name on it. This already starts us guessing as to why he was recorded and why it is significant to the story, although we then see the words 'patient' and 'session'. The fact that these words give off connotations that this person is mentally ill furthers that questionning we have and what their significance is. The fact that they are undergoing sessions and are a 'patient' we are guessing at this point of a mental institution leaves us wondering whether 'Malcolm is maybe a danger and what he has done to be there.

 In this medium long shot we get to see a man, in professional clothing listening to the tape which could show that these tapes are a serious matter, this paired with the fact that outside looks dark like it is a night time so the case is important and of significant. Also the fact that the medium shot also shows the window clearly, showing the weather creates a negative atmosphere because the rain, thunder and lightening are show pathetic fallacy. The medium show also provides us which extra idea into the set, like him being sat at a desk with the many books around him and the brain/head analysing material in the background.

The low angle close up on the psychiatrists face shows that he is in more power, more than likely that the 'Malcolm' character that he is so intensely looking into and studying. The fact that it is low angle also suggest, supported by his professional background, the fact that he may be trying to help Malcolm and it is of importance that he does help him and that Malcolm is relying on it. Also the fact that it is close enough to see the reflection of the scattered papers and tapes in his glasses evidence further that he is looking in depth into the case.

This long shot establishes the cut away from the office type environment that was quite vague, then to another type of professional environment. This environment is a court room, it is a lot more open spaced. The comparison between the closed in nature of the other environment, maybe showing that he was confined and hiding away and on his own, against this environment which shows a more dominant structure with more power to it. The fact that we are shown this man in his entirety, so we can see his clothing shows that we are supposed to take notice of it, and the differences between him and the previous man we saw. His clothing shows professionalism, but the fact that he is walking very fast, he is on the phone for all of the shot and that he walks quite untamed and unsettled says to us that maybe his profession is being jeapordised. 

This wide shot is extremely atmospheric. It sets an eerie scene that is already quite confusing to us as not much is confirmed as we keep flitting from set to set. The elements that make it atmospheric is the lack of light and lack of natural light, so we are left guessing. The pathetic fallacy also creates an eerie atmosphere as the rain gives negative connotations. Also, the fact that the motel looks isolated, with no people or cars show also gives the impression of being alone, there is no hope.

The camera angle then shifts to a low angle shot. This shows the motel worker looking out at someone pulling up outside. We know from the props, like the television being on and the fact that he is drinking alcohol, which he more than likely wouldn't do if he had people regularly or already staying with him, that he doesn't get many people coming by. So from the chosen camera angle and the props it shows that he is feeling in control because he is finally getting work.