Memento

I have to say my reaction to this film while watching it veered between the positive one expressed by Lena, and the decidedly negative one expressed by Irishgit. I always applaud any movie that tries to be different and tell its story in a non-linear fashion, even if only for the effort. This is especially true when the only movies Hollywood seems capable of coming up with these days are cinematic versions of bad cartoons from the 1960's, or stupid TV sitcoms, or needless re-makes of films that never needed to be re-made. I believe "Memento" is a re-make of a foreign film, which is also de rigueur for Hollywood--- with depressing regularity, they take an infinitely superior foreign movie, and make a pallid imitation of it for the timorous American masses (as one example-- "Insomnia", the classic film from Norway that was dumbed down in a re-make starring Al Pacino and Robin Williams). So...I wanted to like "Memento." Perhaps the circumstances I saw it under weren't the most auspicious... Read more

Damn good movie ive watched it numerous times and still found stuff i missed before definitely not for the small minded or unitteligent.

Definately an interesting concept.Too bad I already have so much ink there's no room for my grocery list & due dates for DMV fees! I also saw the Bollywood film this was based on (Gadjani),which achieved the improbable feat of being both better (plotwise & cast) and nearly unbearable (over 2 hours,belaboring certain points,and packed with USELESS and truly AWFUL musical interludes).

I want to go on record right now as saying: I have not smoked pot since my sons were born, the oldest in 2005. I feel the need to mention this, because last year I got around to renting this movie. The First time I saw it, the movie kind of zipped Along and I didn't pay much attention so by the end of the movie I was completely and hopelessly lost. I watched it again a week later and this time tried to pay real close attention to the movie. The movie is cyclical, it's contemplative, it is a puzzle that you are constantly trying to figure out. Any fan of the Film Noir genre is bound to enjoy this movie. Now remember I said I have not smoked pot in four years? That is noteworthy because I feel that it would have helped immensely to have some sort of chemical substance to keep me focused on this Movie. In Memento Leonard Shelby wears fancy suits, drives fancy cars and has a fancy life. All outward appearances indicate that he is a very successful Business man, but he is only out for one... Read more

Would not dream of underestimating a movie with a provocative premise such as Christopher Nolan's 'Memento.' What I do resent is Hollywood's (and therefore Mr. Nolan's) penchant for turning a good idea into regular entertainment - think Alejandro Amenabar's 'Open Your Eyes' vrs. Cameron Crowe's 'Vanilla Sky' or George Sluizer's 'The Vanishing' from 1988 with Sluizer's own remake of 1993. Insurance investigator Leonard Shelby (Guy Pearce) loses his wife to rape and murder. As the result of the experience, Shelby becomes totally unable to retain new experiences in his memory; as he sets out to find the man responsible, Shelby finds it necessary to rely on taking Polaroids, scribbling notes, etc., to accomplish his purpose. A similar emotional toll on the lead character in 'Memento' might have resulted from a vehicular accident or from a domestic mishap. How much more of a challenge then for a scriptwriter or a director to make a movie out of that. As even high profile directors such... Read more

Memento is a fascinating film that deserves multiple viewings. At the time of its release, the storytelling device was groundbreaking, but I've since seen a few films attempt to steal the glory, so to speak. This was Christopher Nolan's breakout work, in my opinion, and although I still love his style, I miss it being applied to unique stories like this (versus the Batman franchise). In Memento, the viewer is put in the protagonist's position of not knowing whom to trust. Assumptions are made only to be discredited as the film progresses. The use of flashbacks absolutely makes the film, creating just enough confusion to cause the viewer to distrust him or herself. In all, I think the goal of the film was not to make the viewer solve a mystery filled with gaps and inconsistencies, but to exemplify the unreliable nature of our own memory. Perhaps one of the most intriguing things about the film is how much your own emotional state and opinion of the world plays into an interpretation ... Read more

This movie is probably rated lower than it deserves because of the unusual story line, but it works, you might have to watch it twice to 'get' it however.  Excellent acting by Guy Pierce, excellent story, very gripping, kept me on the edge of my seat--worth a try if you have an open mind about how movies should be made and story lines should flow.

From the first scene you know who is punished for the murder of his wife. The film gets stars for being unconventional. It follows Leonard, a former insurance agent around L.A. He's convinced his wifes murderer is still around and he must find him. The only problem is He can't remember anything so he must tattoo clues on his body and keep very meticulous methods to keep him from forgetting his goal of revenge. The movie works backwards. The movie is like a balled up newspaper; once you peel it open you start to get the whole story. Great performances by Guy Pierce and Carrie-Anne Moss. See this movie twice.

Blech.....was I the only one who really disliked this movie? I tried watching it a second time--unappealing characters, below-par acting, and a story that simply makes no sense (imagine if the plot was not presented backwards--it still wouldn't make sense!)

So that was the problem, Jamie;I need to watch it again, lol.

A film you may have to watch more than once to enjoy it.

An intriguing plot and very, very cleverly done. Guy Pearce really has shown time and time again that he is a very good actor since leaving 'Neighbours' back in the early 90's. It interweaves cutting back and forward in time and from different characters perspectives perfectly and makes an intense viewing.

Excrement on a stick. No, retract that. Not quite that good.

What can I say about this movie that hasn't been said already? It's an absolutely brilliant film, and everyone that took a part in making it should be praised and applauded.

This movie really is incredible. I've watched it a few times and I'm finally making sense of it. It goes backwards and cuts in and out, keeping the viewer guessing and second-guessing the whole time. Guy Pearce is almost endearing as Leonard, as he struggles to remember his past and make peace with his future. The moments where people take advantage of his disability are heart-breaking. I reviewed this movie for a psychology class once when we were focusing on memory and got my whole class interested in seeing it. This movie is fast-paced and violent, mysterious and intriguing. I definitely recommend it as a conversation-piece, but try to watch it more than once to pick up on the subleties that you might have missed the first time around!

Boring, depressing and very confusing.

This movie has made film noir hip again, plus it has a cleverly woven storyline. Guy Pierce shines in this film!!

This is one of the most inventive and just the most awesome movie ever! I just got the special edition dvd and I watched it the chronological way, which was really cool! If you can't figure out how, go to eeggs.com.

Great movie. One that makes you think both as the movie goes on and after its over. You lose the movie if you miss a minute. Definitely worth seeeing.

One of the best movies of the year.

An intellectual delight to watch. I LOVED this movie!! It was even more original than Being John Malkovich.

A very depressing, dark and dangerous movie, the movie features not only a downer of a theme, but boatloads of profanity, violence and sexual innuendo. For a good mystery, watch Murder She Wrote or Columbo, not this klaptrap.

Memento IS an engrossing and engaging triller. Part of the reason is they way it runs...backwards. The actual viewing of the film causes the moviegoer to sit and remember, as if in some way THEY were the main character....it's a film that actually makes you use your mind as oppossed to losing it, like so many dumb hollywood films.

Pretty much overrated. You know the state of Hollywood is pretty sad when movies like Memento are hailed as "genius" and "well worked" and "incredible, engrossing thriller". In my opinion, it was the equivalent of taking a prescription painkiller and then attempting to sit through an advanced calculus class. Fuzzy, confusing and just not worth it.

I didn't like this movie much. It's not a movie that you can just go see without knowing something about it beforehand. And to me, that means the writing isn't that great!

if you like movies that make you think this is a great one

This movie was so cool! I didn't really catch onto what was happening untnil like the middle, but then i saw it again, and I got it! I like how it's very different and that the character is....it's really just a movie you have to see.

Exceptional piece of cinema art. Intriguing, intelligent, beautifully shot and exhausting. This film requires and demands your utmost attention if you are to gain a fully comprehensive understanding. This picture is executed with with real feeling and complemnented by haunting sounds and ambience. One question, how does Shelby know his wife is dead and how does he know he has this 'condition' if he cannot create new memories after the accident? (Shelby can learn basic physical motions through systematic repition but I don't think this applies in this case)

This movie absolutly stunk. Made no sense at all.

one of the most brilliant movies I have ever seen!!!

What a creative, original film. I spent large portions of the movie trying to prevent my mind from wandering to take on the issue of how hard it would be to live your life without a short term memory - having to write things down, take pictures, tattoo yourself, and have absolute faith in your system. Then I spent some time trying to poke holes in the confusing, unexpected twists and turns of the plot. Then I tried to make sense of a movie whose scenes are shown in backwards chronological order. By the time I got through all of these mental exercises, the movie was over - and I was left with a vague, confused feeling that I had enjoyed it. Don't watch this movie unless you are prepared to concentrate.

I guess the best way to put it would be interesting. It is a very different approach to movie-making and is quite confusing until you reach the end (which is actually the beginning). See what I mean. Nethertheless, it is very intriguing and keeps you glued in, and you can't walk away becuse you have to see what happens. Guy Pearce is tremendous, also his co-star Carrie-Anne Moss. The DVD has a feature that allows you to play the movie forward to back as well as it's original back to forward. This could prove more understandable for the movie. I'm still confused by the end (I admit) and I am still wondering what others will think of the ending (whether it happened this way or that way-what the real story is...) You'll see what I mean. Anyhoo, good for anyone who's sick of seeing the same old, boring style movies and feels like a change. Also, thriller fans will be caught up in the confusing story.

By far the best piece of film to come out this year. Originality is something rarely seen in Hollywood anymore and this has it.

It has been a long time since I have seen a very well worked and original style of storytelling in a feature film. This film is simply incredible. It manages to be very mysterious,well acted,bravely and honestly directed,humorous and above all gripping. This film sucks you in and refuses to let go. You cannot leave the theater. I had to pee to the point I almost passed out and I still could not tear myself away from this ingeniouse tail. The story is told backward. That is from the last event to the first. What we know is that our main character's, played by Guy Peirce, wife has been raped and murdered and he is out for revenge. Sounds rather run of the mill,right? Well, he witnesses this happen, tries to rescue his wife and gets a severe blow to the head which leaves him with a very strange psychological disorder. He has no short term memory. He has all his old memories he just cannot make any new ones. He most take polaroid pictures and scroll noted in the form of tattos all over his... Read more

i walked out after thirty minutes

A diffirent movie but worth while to see.

Very interesting movie, great concept...I agree with the other comment about how you yourself are trying to regain your short term memory to figure out what is happening......interpretation of black/white sequence (was that the truth)??? It is a movie that will make you think and is rather intense, so don't go to relax...

Memento is a great movie. the best i have seen this year. This movie is about a man who tries to solve his wife's murder. due to the killing, he has lost his short term memory, so he must write notes on the case. The story is told backwards, so we the viewers feel like we have no shortterm memory. we know what is happening now on the screen, but do not know how he got there. I don't want to give anything away, but guy pierce is great, as is carrie ann moss and joe palmention (?). it is truly an original movie, and i urge people to go and see it.

This was an incredible, engrossing thriller! It's about a man who is trying to avenge his wife's death, however, he was badly beaten and has no short-term memory. He takes photos, writes notes, and tatoos reminders all over his body in order to find the killer. The real kicker is that the scenes are filmed in backwards sequence, so you know the end of the story right at the start of the movie. But...can you figure out the beginning...? This is a MUST SEE movie that you'll be talking about for weeks afterwards.