Review of Impostor (2001) by Elisa L — 06 Mar 2009

Based on the Phillip K. Dick short story "Impostor" is not exactly crystal clear or, for that matter, consistently compelling, but it does a good job of making its main point, which is to evoke the suffocating, ever-spiraling paranoia so easily triggered in such an environment. It evokes a pervasive feeling of uncertainty that lies at the heart of the human condition, a feeling that logically will only intensify in a future when it becomes increasingly difficult, if not downright impossible, to distinguish the real from the artificial, even within one's self.

Sinise and the supporting cast are on target with their focused portrayals and Mark Isham's score is at once elegant and ominous, a major asset in creating and sustaining a tense atmosphere. The directing is top-notch as well, with a great twist ending.

"Impostor" is likely to be best appreciated by dedicated sci-fi fans, which I definately am, but if you find the question - "How can you know what you know or who you are when all your ideas are filtered through your own biased and highly fallible consciousness?" - even a tad bit intriguing then this is a movie for you to see. A thinking man's sci-fi flick staying true to Dick's original story and spirit.