Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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38 of 38 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Intense, intelligent, and often hilarious!, September 10, 2001
The only film that I can think of that comes even close to the ingenuity of Memento is The Usual Suspects. Like that way underappreciated classic, Memento gives you the ending immediately, and then spends the rest of its time showing you how it got there. Each scene offers clues and various revelations--Leonard's tattoos, why he writes what he does on Natalie's and Teddy's pictures, what happened to his wife, Leonard's job before "the incident"--each of which are thrilling mini-narratives in themselves.The acting is first rate. Guy Pearce, best known as "the one who wasn't Russell Crowe in L.A. Confidential", is Leonard, a character who will intrigue you, engage your sympathy, and might even scare you by the end. Joe Pantoliano's Teddy will have you debating his intentions towards Leonard for days afterwards. The real acting coup, however, is fellow Matrix alum Carrie Anne Moss--her performace as Natalie will make you love her, hate her, and make you fiercely protective of her. The movie can only be watched on DVD. Keep the remote handy as you'll want to pause every now and then, if only to read Leonard's tattoos for various clues. After watching the movie, be sure to check out Otnemem in the Special Features section for newspaper articles, pictures, journal entries, and psychiatric reports on Mementos intriguing characters. They will help confirm what you think happened in the movie. DVD also offers the playful option of choosing to watch the movie backwards (or would it be watching the movie forward?). You will definitely consider the option after watching the movie. I haven't done it yet, but I can't wait to see the effect that it has on the movie. This movie is worth the critical hype. If you enjoyed movies like The Sixth Sense, The Matrix, The Usual Suspects, Seven, Fight Club, and Dark City (some of my personal faves), then Memento will be the crown of your DVD collection!
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61 of 65 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Perceptions constantly change in this one-of-a-kind story, May 3, 2002
Brilliantly directed by Christopher Nolan, who also wrote the screenplay based on a short story by his brother, Jonathan Nolan, this film had to be a huge challenge for all. The word "memento" means "remember" in Latin, and the story is about Leonard, so traumatized by a blow to the head after his wife's rape and murder, that he has lost his short-term memory. He's out for revenge and is looking for the killer, but, although he remembers his life with his wife and who he is, he cannot remember anything that has happened since. He therefore takes Polaroid shots of everyone he meets and writes notes on them. And he also tattoos things he wants to remember all over his body. The role calls out for an exceptional actor and Guy Pearce certainly does rise to the occasion. I found myself drawn to him, identifying with his condition, and joining him in his struggle to relate to the world.The story unfolds backwards, an unusual narrative technique that is tricky to use. We see a scene and think we understand. And then there is another scene that has happened prior to it, and it totally changes our perception of what is going on. Purposely, it is confusing. And purposely, there are moments of clarity where it all fits together only to become even more confusing in the next scene. Carrie Ann Moss plays a femme fatal and, as we get to know her, we are not quite sure what her motives are. Joe Pantolino is cast as in the role of Leonard's buddy, and we are constantly confused as to whether he is friend or foe. I sat there fascinated as this complicated plot unfolded, enjoying the mastery in which the director led me down different avenues of thought and also introduced questions about the moral issues involved. By the end, I was absolutely sure of nothing at all, except that I had been traveling on a roller coaster of an experience that didn't have any easy answers. While I tend to want films to have a beginning, middle and end, and a story line that is easy to follow, this an exception to the rule. I definitely recommend to those who are willing to explore this unique film, which is certainly one of a kind.
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107 of 120 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
"Did I Tell You About This Before?", June 10, 2001
This is one unique motion picture; a film noir the likes of which you've never seen before nor are likely to see again any time soon. Like "Jeopardy," the TV game show, "Memento," written and directed by Christopher Nolan, begins by giving you an answer (not to be confused with "the" answer), then lets you try to fill in the question. The story, told backwards (beginning with the end, the scenes are presented in reverse chronological order) is about a man named Leonard Shelby (Guy Pearce), who after suffering a traumatic blow to the head during an incident involving his wife (Jorja Fox), can no longer create new memories. Though he can remember everything up to the time of the incident, his short term memory lasts no longer than fifteen minutes, which renders him somewhat incapable (as you can imagine) of functioning normally. Which makes his current preoccupation especially difficult-- tracking down the man who did this to him. Ensconced in a cheap motel while he attempts to sort out his new life, Leonard must rely on Polaroid photographs and quickly scribbled notes to keep himself in the game. The particularly pertinent information he uncovers he tattoos on himself (a man's initials, a license plate number, whole sentences that remind him what he's after), thereby insuring that no vital piece of the puzzle that is now his life will be lost. But it's a tricky business, especially when it comes to remembering who he can trust. All he has to go on are his instincts and his notes; and constantly having to deal with people he's just met-- even if it is the same ones, over and over again-- puts him in a perpetually vulnerable position. He knows there are those who would exploit him because of his condition, so along with everything else, he has to keep his guard up every minute. How can he know who to trust when everyone he deals with is a stranger? It's a sticky wicket, to be sure; but he's determined to play out the hand he's been dealt, one way or another. Pearce gives a solid performance as Leonard, a guy to whom the phrase "living in the moment" takes on a whole new meaning. He makes Leonard convincing by never overplaying him, and by maintaining a kind of subtly reserved resignation laced with tentative anxiety; traits you would expect of someone in his condition. And that Pearce can make that critical connection with the audience, making Leonard someone to whom they can relate, is especially important, as this is a real "What would I do in that situation?" kind of film. Also very effective is Carrie-Anne Moss as Natalie, the woman whom Leonard may or may not be able to trust. Natalie becomes something of a mystery within the mystery, as she comes across as rather enigmatic initially; one of those characters you can't quite figure out, which allows you to identify with Leonard even more, because you know he's trying to decipher her motives, as well. The same can be said for Teddy, played by Joe Pantoliano, who becomes another constant enigma in Leonard's life. It's another case of "Who is this guy, really?" and, again, along with Leonard, it keeps you guessing until the end-- which is really the beginning. But it's that kind of movie; a first rate mystery, from end to beginning (and when you see it, you'll understand). At any rate, by the time it's over you have a pretty good idea of what fits where. Natalie, at least, tips her hand at one point; Teddy, though, is a bit tougher to figure out. And if you don't believe me, just ask Leonard. The supporting cast includes Mark Boone Junior (Burt), Stephen Tobolowsky (Sammy Jankis), Harriet Sansom Harris (Mrs. Jankis), Callum Keith Rennie (Dodd) and Larry Holden (Jimmy). This is one of those movies that leaves you asking yourself, "Who could think up something like that?" while at the same time you're saying "Yeah! give me more!" To say the least, "Memento" is emotionally involving and thoroughly engrossing, and Nolan wisely throws in some humor to give some respite to the constant, underlying tension (at one point Leonard says to Teddy, "Did I ever tell you about Jankis?" To which Teddy replies, "Only every time I see you."). Reminiscent of "Jacob's Ladder," but taken to the "Nth" degree, this is one film that will keep you talking about it-- and debating-- for a long time. And in another unusual twist, the real irony begins once the film is over, because at that point you're able to identify with Leonard even more-- there's just so much you have to remember to arrive at your final conclusion. Your best bet? Watch it again. That's the magic of the movies.
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