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The hardest part of promoting the movie "Identity" is to do so without giving away anything. The stars of the film were very conscientious in regards to what they said about the thriller while discussing the movie at its World Premiere.

"Identity" is the story of ten strangers trapped in a dreary motel due to heavy rain and flooding. Headlining the talented cast are John Cusack and Ray Liotta, two of the actors who spoke with the press while attending the April 23, 2003 World Premiere at Grauman's Chinese Theater in Hollywood. Here's what Liotta and Cusack, and a few of their "Identity" co-stars, had to say about the feel of the film and working in this spooky genre.

RAY LIOTTA ('Detective Rhodes')

Would you say "Identity" is a bit of a tribute to Alfred Hitchcock?
I don't think it's a tribute to him. I think it's a way of describing the type of genre that this is.

What did you like about this character?
Just being in this type of genre. I've always wanted to be in this genre. I've always wanted to do a scary-type movie. I like watching them and I thought it'd be fun to act in one, and it was. When I found out Cusack was involved, I liked that a lot. Jim Mangold, the director, is really smart and Cathy Konrad, the producer, did the "Scream" movies so it's got a really good pedigree. It's a really smart movie for this particular genre.

What are audiences going to like about "Identity?"
I think people like to be entertained, especially at this time. I think you really get your money's worth. Some movies you go to and you spend a lot of money between popcorn, parking, or the movie itself, and I really feel that this is worth its money. You'll be really entertained, you'll be scared. It's a great date movie. I think people will get their money's worth and that's important.

How did the constant rain on the set help you get into character?
What it did is that sometimes at 7:00 or 8:00 at night, or 7:00 in the morning, you're just tired. You hit that rain and were drenched. Every time we had to be drenched, whether we were indoors or outdoors, because it's a linear movie that keeps on moving, so it just wakes you up. That's what it does, that's how it helped.

John Cusack at the World Premiere of "Identity"
Photo ©Rebecca Murray. All Rights Reserved.

Working in the rain and on a dreary-looking set must have been interesting.
It was pretty fun. The motel was almost like a character in the film.

At what level do you think the movie was a tribute to Hitchcock, with the motel and the ambience, etc.?
I think [director James Mangold] wanted to have like an Agatha Christie/Alfred Hitchcock feel, but a little more modern. The feeling of strangers having to deal with each other, I think he really wanted to live up to that [Christie/Hitchcock] standard.

What did you like about playing 'Ed?'
I liked that he didn't talk a lot. He didn't have much to say, [he spoke more] with actions.

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