Memento

Starring: Guy Pearce, Carrie-Ann Moss, Joe Pantoliano
Directed by: Christopher Nolan
Rating: R
Genre: Thriller
2000

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: A man (Guy Pearce) loses his short term memory after suffering a head wound during his wife's murder. Now, he cannot remember anything for more than a few minutes and must live his life constantly leaving notes and reminders as to where he is and what he is doing. In this difficult state, he tries to track down his wife's killer.

Review:

Tim: Memento is a brilliant thrller, in a stroke of genius, told backwards, scene by scene. This is one of those movies that might not be at the top of anyone's list, but are amazing in their own right and need to be seen by more people. Christopher Nolan puts together a brilliant film. The audience quickly identifies with the main character, trying desperately to grasp what is going on. This is one of those movies that needs to be seen again and again to truly grasp everything that is happening. Repeated viewings will definitely help explain the story. However, the awkward, unknowing aspect (that makes the film so great) will linger on even through several viewings.

Guy Pearce is superb in the lead role. This is arguably the best performance of his career (except for maybe L.A. Confidential). He strongly leads the film and gives a performance that will not soon be forgotten. I didn't really like Carrie-Ann Moss in this role. She tries hard, but fails to some extent. She is much better in films like The Matrix and Red Planet. Here, she does what she needs to do, but seems a bit uninspired. Joe Pantoliano rounds out the cast with a great performance. This guy is an incredible supporting actor and gives a very different but important performance here. He and Pearce interact wonderfully.

Memento, if watched closely, will change the way you watch movies. This film stays with you long after you finish watching. It is one of those rare genius movies that you simply need to understand. It is in a category of its own and I cannot speak highly enough of it.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 8.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend:
Mulholland Dr., The Time Machine, L.A. Confidential, Red Planet, The Matrix trilogy