Unknown was a terrific 2011 film starring Liam Neeson and January Jones - A must see for thriller fans, I absolutely loved it. The basis for the film is this 2003 novel written by Didier Van Cauwelaert, first published as Out Of My Head.
How much to tell you about such a mystery?
Martin Harris has recovered from an accident that left him in a coma for a few days. Once released, he arrives at his apartment to find another Martin Harris at home with his wife. This imposter knows everything about him, his past, his childhood, and not only does this man assert he is actually Martin Harris, so does his wife. Bewildered, he tries the police without luck, before seeking out the taxi driver he was in the accident with. She helps him track down his scientist colleagues, all who have already met and believe the 'fake' Martin Harris, and then help from a psychiatrist. His work against GMO's and Monsanto could prove a clue: are the chemical lobbies trying to shut him up? As the psychiatrist postulates: could he have a brain disorder which makes him believe he is someone he is not?
A real mystery confounded when Martin finally finds his wife Liz alone
and she acknowledges him!
but adds "I can't tell you anything, Martin. It's bigger than us."
I always love amnesia stories, and this has a truly ingenious plot that kept the pages turning. I would say the film rounded out several points that greatly added to the story, while this had the advantage of giving Martin more mental doubt, introducing plausible technical concepts like complete brain imprints.
An all around great read tightly packed into 144 pages.
Highly recommended - now, go watch the movie.
2003 / Tradeback / 144 pages
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