A film to remember (Memento (DVD))

Member Name: stevek181

Product:	Memento (DVD)
Date:	10/10/09 (39 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: a stylish, intelligent twist on the genre

Disadvantages: Full concentration required!

"I have to believe in a world outside my own mind. I have to believe that my actions still have meaning, even if I can't remember them. I have to believe that when my eyes are closed, the world's still there. Do I believe the world's still there? Is it still out there?... Yeah. We all need mirrors to remind ourselves who we are. I'm no different."

Directed by Christopher Nolan, this clever film-noir follows the story of Leonard Shelby (Guy Pearce ) and his efforts to extract revenge on his wife's murderers. It is familiar theme but features an unusual and unique twist; Leonard was also badly hurt in the attack and now suffers from short-term memory loss. He is therefore unable to "create new memories" and has to write down any clues as to the identity of the killer, either on scraps of paper, polaroids, or, if particularly important, tattoos on his own body.

The story is told from the protagonist's point of view, and many of the scenes are actually shown in reverse order, giving us some insight into the confusion and frustration Leonard suffers as he tries to unravel the mystery. It is a clever trick as, like him, it robs us of our memory; we never know what has already happened leading up to any particular event. The only clues we have to the nature of the people he meets are the scribbled notes he has left for himself. It is difficult to know who to trust and our perception of events are constantly changing.

This is partly due to the terrific performances of Carrie-Anne Moss (Natalie) and Joe Pantoliano (Teddy Gammell) who's motives for helping Leonard remain unclear until the end.

The film itself is hard-hitting, and the performance from Guy Pearce is gritty and utterly convincing. There are, however comic moments which are necessary to lighten the mood, such as a chase scene where Leonard forgets if he is supposed to be chasing or running and his relationship with Teddy "You know, I've had more rewarding friendships than this one. Although I do get to keep telling the same jokes" and Natalie "You mix your laundry list with your grocery list you'll end up eating your underwear for breakfast."


Memento could have been a bit gimmicky, but Nolan's flair and talent make it compelling viewing. It seems to hold together well as a film, with only a few inconsistencies in Shelby's condition which are necessary to make the plot work. It is a film worth watching more than once in order to understand the details. A real stylish psychological thriller of the finest quality, a unique whodunit that'll leave you guessing until the film's shocking conclusion that turns the film on it's head. I won't reveal what it is, save to say - the clues are all there!

The film may not be for everyone; it's confusing and requires a lot of effort and attention to stay with the plot. Viewers who enjoy thinking about what they're watching and giving it some thought will be well rewarded.

Overall, Memento is fabulously entertaining. Directed and performed with intelligence and ambition, it really is a film you have to concentrate on, and one you'll be thinking about long after the closing credit. Clever, suspenseful, intriguing and, ironically enough, unforgettable!


Extras:
Extras include the trailer, an excellent interview with Christopher Nolan, Tattoo Gallery and Website material.

Summary: Memorable!