Top 10 Dramas About Changing Names

Description: Tom Ripley, a young man with a talent for mimicry and deception, adopts the identity of his wealthy friend Dickie Greenleaf, leading to a spiral of lies and murder. This film explores the dark side of identity theft and the consequences of living a lie.

Fact: The film was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Adapted Screenplay. Matt Damon's performance was critically acclaimed, earning him a Golden Globe nomination.

Description: Jason Bourne, a man with amnesia, discovers he has been living under an assumed identity. His journey to uncover his true self involves changing names and navigating through a web of espionage and intrigue.

Fact: The film was the first in a successful franchise, with Matt Damon reprising his role in several sequels. It was also one of the first films to use the "shaky cam" technique for action sequences.

Description: Based on the true story of Frank Abagnale Jr., who before his 19th birthday, successfully conned millions of dollars by posing as a Pan Am pilot, a doctor, and a legal prosecutor. His name changes are central to his cons, making this film a thrilling exploration of identity and deception.

Fact: Leonardo DiCaprio did not meet the real Frank Abagnale until after filming was completed to avoid being influenced by his mannerisms. The film was nominated for two Academy Awards.

Description: In this modern take on the classic "Infernal Affairs," characters adopt new identities to infiltrate both the police and the mob. The film showcases the psychological toll of living under a false name.

Fact: Martin Scorsese won his first Best Director Oscar for this film, which also won Best Picture. The film was a major box office success, grossing over $290 million worldwide.

Description: Two rival magicians, Robert Angier and Alfred Borden, engage in a battle of wits and identity, with one adopting multiple personas to outdo the other. The film delves into the obsession with identity and the lengths one goes to maintain a secret.

Fact: The film was based on the novel by Christopher Priest. The complex narrative structure was praised, earning the film two Academy Award nominations.

Description: David Norris, a politician, discovers a mysterious organization that controls human lives. To escape their influence, he must change his identity and navigate through a world where free will is an illusion.

Fact: The film was inspired by a short story by Philip K. Dick. Matt Damon and Emily Blunt had great chemistry, which was crucial for the film's success.

Description: Lisbeth Salander, a hacker with a troubled past, adopts various aliases to protect herself and solve mysteries. Her name changes are integral to her survival and her quest for justice.

Fact: The film was a critical and commercial success, with Rooney Mara receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. It was also nominated for Best Editing.

Description: An operative infiltrates an eco-terrorist group, adopting their name and lifestyle to gain their trust. The film explores the moral ambiguity of identity and loyalty.

Fact: The film was directed by Zal Batmanglij, who also co-wrote the screenplay with star Brit Marling. It received positive reviews for its thought-provoking narrative.

Description: In East Germany, a Stasi officer secretly listens to the lives of others, eventually adopting a new identity to protect those he surveils. The film delves into the ethical dilemmas of surveillance and identity.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and was praised for its realistic portrayal of life under surveillance.

Description: A retired legal counselor writes a novel based on an unsolved rape and murder case, using pseudonyms to protect identities. The film explores how changing names can alter the course of justice and personal lives.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. It was remade in English in 2015, but the original remains highly acclaimed.