Haven't been here for years... all new and shiny these days.
Haven't been here for years... all new and shiny these days.
Member since:31.10.2000
Reviews:148
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Memento is a thriller that combines innovative and imaginative direction with the same plot ingenuity that graced The Usual Suspects to create a thoroughly mesmerising film. This is certainly not your average run of the mill thriller and in fact breaks almost all the genres conventions, not least by starting at the end of the story with a brutal killing. Not that this reduces the tension or suspense especially when coupled with superb performances from the three actors most noticeably antipodean Guy Pierce in the lead role. All in all this is certainly one to get out on video.
The film follows main protagonist Leonard Shelby (Pierce) from a violent beginning, where he kills a man, backwards through the various sequence of events that preceded the killing. Leonard suffers from the bizarre affliction of having no short-term memory, which means he is unable to create any new memories, so he is cannot remember any events that occur or people he meets. He combats this by carrying photos of relevant people and places upon which he makes notes. It is these notes and a range of tattoos on his body (his mementos) that
enable him to function (well sort of) in society and it is his faith in these that determine the course of his actions.
Essentially his raison d’etre is to avenge the rape and murder of his wife. It was during his unsuccessful intervention in the attack on his wife that he sustained the head injury that caused his memory loss. The film takes the form of short scenes each one earlier in time than the previous with a small overlap to allow the viewer to get a handle on where we are. These are cleverly interspersed with black and white scenes where Leonard speaks of his past and the case of a man who suffered the same ‘condition’ as him. These black and white scenes allow the viewer a greater insight into Leonard’s predicament.
Each of the backward running scenes illustrate the limit of Leonard’s memory so at the beginning of each of them it is not merely the audience who is in the dark about previous events but also Leonard himself. This innovative approach is impressive and effective with each scene we are given the answers to some of our questions yet several more important issues are raised and need resolving. Many of these questions concern the two other main characters whose allegiance to Leonard is uncertain. The two characters concerned are Teddy (Joe Pantaliano) and Natalie (Carrie Ann Moss) and their roles as well as their intentions become more clear the further back in time we go.
Memento is a testament to creative and original writing and directing; the script is sublime combining an intellectual almost philosophical bent with some amusing scenes. The reliability of memory upon which people rely on implicitly in daily life and the absurdity of vengeance that will be forgotten by the avenger within minutes are just two of the interesting topics thrown up during the film. There is also a highly amusing scene when Leonard begins it assuming that he is chasing someone only to realise, when he is shot at, that it is probably not the correct summation of the situation and quickly flees to safety. The pacing of the film is superb and at no stage was the film anything less that enthralling and the ending is literally stunning. As for the acting there is nothing but highly polished performances from the leading trio.
Guy Pierce has certainly come a long way since his Neighbours days and after impressing in LA Confidential will have further enhanced his reputation with his performance in Memento. His performance as Leonard is excellent, beginning each scene with a blank almost emotionless air as he tries to ascertain his whereabouts and the reasons for him being there. The complete vulnerability of his condition is always evident but his naivety is offset by his determined pursuit of vengeance. Pierce manages to portray this and a range of emotions, fear, anger and confusion with believable assurance that never have you doubting the character. The support in the form of Moss and Pantoliano is also impressive as each add the necessary confusion or clarity to each scene with a range of differing emotions.
Memento is the best film of any genre that I’ve seen this year and probably the most impressive thriller since The Usual Suspects. Having said this I feel a word of warning is necessary. If you’re looking for an easy to watch popcorn flick then this is certainly not suitable as it requires your full attention for 113 minute running time. There is not a film for people who watch half a film and pipe up with “So who is he again?” when the hero comes on screen. You know who you are. If however you enjoy thought-provoking thrillers that easily warrant a repeat viewing then Memento fits the bill with aplomb. This is a film loaded with originality and intrigue that will stay with you long after the closing credits.
CERT: 15 RUNNING TIME: 113 MINS
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Production Year: 2002 - Thriller - Director: Bharat Nalluri, Rob Bailey, Andy Wilson - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Matthew MacFadyen, Keeley Hawes, David Oyelowo, Peter Firth, Jenny Agutter, Lisa Faulkner
Production Year: 2002 - Thriller - Director: K.C. Bascombe - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Jesse James, Rachel Skarsten, Charles Powell, Linda Purl, Kevin Zegars
Thriller - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Timothy West, Neil Morrissey, Tara Fitzgerald, Annette Crosbie, Pauline Quirke, Rob Brydon, Denise Van Outen, John Thomson, Kevin Whately, David Suchet
Exceptional review on an excellent and highly original film.....
Sarcasm101 23.01.2004 13:21
This film was pure genius! It was definately one you have to watch a few times incase you missed anything important the first time round. Excellent op. XX Sarah.
redridinghood 29.05.2001 01:36
I HAVE TO SEE THIS FILM!!!! My local cinema wouldn't touch this with a barge pole, so I have to wait until I can get it to rent. Great op :O)
An absolute stunner of a movie,Mementocombines a bold, mind-bending script with compelling ... more
action and virtuoso performances. Guy Pearce plays Leonard Shelby, hunting down the man who raped and murdered his wife. The problem is that "the incident" that ...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
An absolute stunner of a movie,Mementocombines a bold, mind-bending script with compelling ... more
action and virtuoso performances. Guy Pearce plays Leonard Shelby, hunting down the man who raped and murdered his wife. The problem is that "the incident" that ...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
From director Christopher Nolan a unique and intriguing thriller that begins with the ... more
ultimate act of revenge and backtracks through time to reveal the shocking and provocative reasons behind it. Leonard Shelby (Guy Pearce) remembers everything up t...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
Leonard Shelby (Guy Pearce) remembers everything up to the night his wife was brutally ... more
raped and murdered. But since that tragedy, he has suffered from short-term memory loss and cannot recall any event, the places he has visited or anyone he has met j...
Advantages: Makes you use your brain! Original, inventive way to make a movie! Disadvantages: ABUNDANT use of "f-word"; some graphic violence, unsatisfying "ending" (or "beginning?)
Analysis 17.10.2004 ·
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Review of Memento (DVD)
![Memento [2000] [DVD]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/78536510.jpg "Memento [2000] [DVD]")
May 16th, 2001
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