What is the nature of memory? How accurate is your memory? Is it possible that your memories didn't really happen as you remember them?
These are just some of the questions you may ask yourself when you get past the initial "wow" factor after seeing Memento, one of the most original thrillers ever put on celluloid.
Memento is the story of Leonard Shelby (Guy Pearce), a man who suffers from the inability to make new memories due to trauma caused to his brain in a brutal assault on him and his wife. Shelby can remember everything up to the attack, but in order to remember anything new, he takes pictures, makes written notes, and tattoos notes on his body. His character is creepy and yet evokes compassion.
The film starts with Leonard shooting Teddy (played by Joe Pantoliano) at point blank. Then, scene by scene, Director Christopher Nolan takes us BACKWARDS through the film, exposing us to new characters and plot twists that take us deeper and deeper into the storyline by showing us what happened BEFORE the scene we just experienced. It is an absolutely brilliant screenplay supported by an incredible cast, including Carrie-Anne Moss of The Matrix trilogy.
Through flashbacks, a side story about Sammy Jankis (Stephen Tobolowsky), and clips that make up a concurrently played out forward moving story (trying to find a better way to phrase that...), Memento plays out as a larger than life story that grips you to the very last. And once all is revealed, the story takes on a new depth, prompting you to put the pieces together and explore further. In fact, Otnemem.com is the companion web site to the movie. It is an incredible resource for uncovering more of the back-story. Also, the two-disc special edition DVD has a great many extras that add to the experience. However, I recommend seeing the film BEFORE viewing the DVD extras or reading through the web site as they give away too much of the storyline.
Please note that Memento is rated R and not appropriate for children. It contains violence and language.
Memento is one of the greatest thrillers ever made. Turn down the lights. Turn up the volume. Enjoy this one without distraction. !cissalc a si tI
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