The I Inside DVD Review:

Waking up a hospital bed confused and dazed, Simon Cable (Phillippe) finds that he has no memory of the last two years of his life. He has a wife that he doesn’t recognise, he is having an affair and his brother is dead. Not knowing what to make of all this he tries to sleep but when he awakes it is two years earlier and none of the events that he had just witnessed have happened yet. Even more confused, Simon tries to comprehend what is happening to him and if he can change the events that he has foreseen.

According to the movies and TV amnesia is a very common thing but will ‘The I Inside’ trigger a memory or make you want to forget.

The movie plot stalwart that is amnesia comes to the front of our consciousness again but this movie will make you think that your memory is playing tricks on you. Creating a confusing plot is all well and good but you have to have a clear conclusion to clear up all the confusion. ‘The I Inside’ doesn’t do this.

The plot unfolds from Simon’s perspective and we find out what is going on at the same time as he does. This drives the plot well, creating tension and an uneasy level of confusion that both the character and audience share. What is he going through? Is he travelling in time? Can he change the future? Is someone trying to kill him? These are all questions that both the character and you are asking as the film unfolds. The problem is that by the time the credits role, you will still be asking these questions.

The lack of any real conclusion spoils a movie that is filled with good performances from a memorable ensemble cast. Ryan Phillippe is a talented actor who deserves more high profile roles. He has the skill to produce believable characters whatever their situation or storyline. As Simon Cable, he creates an emotional reeks of a character, riddled by confusion, guilt and fear. As the movie progresses he skilfully portrays a level of paranoia that both engulfs the character and the audience, proving again that he is an actor with tremendous talent. Piper Perabo gets a chance to shine as Anna, Simon’s future wife. Playing two distinctly different parts in two time periods, Piper finally gets the chance to act and move away from her usual girl-next-door type roles. Sarah Polley is as good as ever as Clair, the woman Simon is having an affair with. While she doesn’t get as much screen time as you’d like her two, when she is on the screen she proves again that she is an actress worth watching. Add to this, another good turn by Stephen Rea and a noticeable performance by Robert Sean Leonard as Simon’s brother Peter and you have a fine ensemble cast.

‘The I Inside’ is filled with good performances and a sense of tension that will have you gripped. The lack of any conclusion or explanation to the confusing plot is the film’s real let down. After watching intensely for almost ninety minutes you will end up thinking ‘What was all that about?’, as the final credit role and no explanation is given. This is a real shame as the film succeeds for so long and the lacklustre finale really lets it down, making it a movie you will probably only remember for this.

Star Rating = * *

PICTURE & SOUND

Presented in Widescreen 1.85:1 Anamorphic with a Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack, the transfer is good. Simon Cable’s confusing world is vividly brought to life via a crystal clear picture. The sound quality is also good as the sound engulfs us during Simon’s trips between the time periods.

BONUS FEATURES

Ryan Phillippe Interview (4.02 mins)
The star of the film talks about what attracted him to the film and his character. He also discusses what is different about the film and what it was like working with the cast and crew.

Piper Perabo (2.33 mins)

The star of the film talks about what attracted her to the film and her character. She also reveals what it was like working with director Roland Suso Richter.

Roland Suso Richter (Director) Interview (2.31 mins)

The man at the helm talks about his preparation for the movie, the look of the film and what it was like working with Ryan Phillippe.

International Trailer (2.25 mins)

Watch the theatrical trailer for ‘The I Inside’.

Photo Gallery
View publicity images from the movie

Production Notes
Place the DVD in your PC and read the production notes for the film.

OVERALL

While you might not expect much in the bonus features department for a low budget film and with the DVD for ‘The I Inside’ you won’t be surprised. This is a film crying out for a commentary track to explain the confusing plotline and lacklustre finale. Instead we have three very short interviews, a trailer and some images and notes. You’ll soon forget about those as well.

DVD Star Rating = * *

Jamie Kelwick

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