Identities

About This Movie

So, Identities is this intriguing piece from '73, created by Ed Emshwiller along with students from Wantagh High. It’s not your typical high school project; it grapples with themes of self and perception in a rather experimental way. The tone feels both earnest and raw, as if the young creators are fumbling through their own identities while presenting these ideas visually. There’s this interesting use of practical effects that adds a tactile quality, almost dreamlike at times, which keeps you engaged despite the pacing that can feel uneven. Performances are naturally youthful, capturing that essence of discovery. It has a unique DIY spirit that’s hard to find in today’s polished films, which makes it a curious watch.

Identities has had a rather limited release history, which adds to its allure among collectors. It's not the easiest film to track down, with few prints circulating, and it seems to fly under the radar compared to more mainstream works of the era. This scarcity, coupled with the film's unique experimental style and the fact that it’s a student project, draws a niche interest from collectors who appreciate those raw, early explorations of identity in cinema.