Memento [2000] [DVD]

As well as maintaining a non-didactic plot, the film manages to ask the important philosophical questions, how can we know our actions have consequences? Does the world stop existing when its not being perceived?

This is not an easy watch; nevertheless it is a highly rewarding one. All the characters are flawlessly acted by a superb cast that includes; Guy Pearce, Joe Pantoliano, and Carrie-Anne Moss, who gives a much better performance in this then her awkward performance as Trinity in the Matrix trilogy. The directing is first rate, orchestrating the complex parts portrayed so well by the actors and the filming augments the feeling of disorientation throughout.

On plot and delivery alone, perhaps my all time favourite film.

The only person Leonard can trust is himself and he has to rely on notes and polaroid
photographs to tell him about other people. He has tattoos on his body for more permanent and important facts. If he doesn't write it down, it never happened.

If you're looking for a straight forward typical hollywood-esque film, then Memento is not for you. Memento will leave you talking about it at work, at home and to complete strangers; you will find yourself joining conversations when you hear the word "memento". Memento certainly isn't a forgettable film, not only does it offer you the stunning performances of Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss and Joe Pantaliano, but a complex plot and original screenplay. Nolan tells the story backwards, from the point of view of Leonard, who can't remember the beginning of a conversation by the time it ends. Nolan uses colour as a very important element for the films narration, the
film is shot in colour as well as black and white, colour representing the story told
backwards, and black and white representing the story told forwards, which can prove quite confusing and it takes you a while to get used to the unique altered structure that hasn't been seen since films such as "The usual suspects" and "Pulp fiction" . This is a very risky way of editing a film, but it works for memento and this is what makes it a very peculiar and interesting film.

Guy Pearce, who started off in Australian soaps "Neighbours" and "Home and Away" before moving on to bigger projects such as "LA Confidential" , does a great job of making Leonard believable and likeable even though his condition is extremely hard to understand and identify with. He looks genuinely confused when Leonard is and really makes you sympathise with him. Leonard can't grieve for his wife because it's impossible for him to judge how long it's been since her death, an interesting quote
from him is "how can I remember to forget you?".

Other interesting performances include Carrie-Anne Moss (The Matrix, Red Planet,Chocolat) and Joe Pantaliano (The Matrix, Bad Boys). Joe Pantaliano plays the Leonard's friend...and Carrie-Anne Moss does a good job playing the sympathetic barmaid, suffering from the loss of a loved one.Their performances are realistic and they seem to be great choices for the parts.

Memento is a refreshing change from the host of formulaic films churned out by the dozen. You can't help but watch it twice and the film throws you along in a rollercoaster of anticipation and curiosity as to what will happen before. If you're prepared to adjust to the novel editing style and psychological premise then it's a must
see for any fan of the film noir thriller. Ten of out nine film this give I'd..;)

Hey, it's quality entertainment for under a tenner. Buy this film, tell all your mates about it, then enjoy it when they see it and big up your taste in film.

The script is taught, dialogue beleivable, and editing slick (but not in the flash-flash-jerry bruckheimer way) resulting in one of those films that demands your total attention in case you miss a vital plot ingredient or a gem of a quote, a la Usual Suspects. Hey, it's quality entertainment...

The acting is top-notch. Honestly, I had never really heard of Guy Pearce before but he's a great leading man; useful considering he's on-screen for pretty much the entire duration of the movie. You believe that this is a bloke living a life that no-one understands. Joe Pantoliano and Carrie-anne Moss (Matrix anyone?) are also fantastic - are they freind or foe? Hmmmm... The script is taught...

If you're reading this then you've probably heard a bit about the film already, so I won't waste time telling you it's about a guy (played by a Guy, funnily enough) who can make no new memories. This all started the night his wife was raped and murdered, and he's trying to find out who dunnit. The acting is top-notch...

If you're reading this...