Scientific and psychological thriller. Who knew?

Rating: 10/10 (8 April 2008)

Perhaps some films are best left misunderstood. It increases the chances that the viewer will wish to watch them multiple times. Memento certainly fits this description. It is as cunning and unpredictable as any thriller I've seen, and it is one of the few films that can accurately claim Hitchcock's legacy. With so few films actually requiring audiences to think, Memento is a wonderful respite for those still concerned with the intellectual appeal of cinema.
The film's strongest point is its plot which is both original and endearing. Leonard's investigations occur in color and in reverse chronological order. However, we are first presented with the event occurring in black and white which happens in chronological order. The effects of this plot structuring are exquisite. The film's progression mirrors Leonard's anterograde amnesia. In other words, Nolan tells the film both backwards and forwards simultaneously, thus each depiction of the plot adds believability to the other. Another strong point to the plot is the lack of a new love interest for Leonard. So many would-be-thrillers suffer from the unnecessary relationships which ruin the tension the film attempts to build. Even Hitchcock's films occasionally suffer from this occurrence. I suppose Christopher Nolan deserves even more credit since he wrote the screenplay. Unfortunately, the plot is difficult to follow the first time. Upon future viewings the plot will become clearer and even more satisfying.
The other aspects of the film are obviously less pronounced, however, Guy Pearce does a wonderful job portraying Leonard. If the tattoos on his body are not evidence enough, then the realistic facial expressions and his genuine bewilderment is. This is method acting at its finest. Another way his performance is enhanced is the realistic setting design. The audience is not distracted by a fantastical setting which could have been employed. The room is cluttered and untidy as we would think it to be. The hotel manager takes advantage of Leonard's illness and charges him for two rooms, which only further enhances our relation to the movie. One of the definitive reasons that Memento is so entertaining and effective is that Nolan directs a man suffering with an uncommon disease in such as homely way anyone can sympathize with him and understand his plight.
While Memento isn't the typical thriller, it breathes fresh air into a genre saturated with repetitive Bourne and Ocean's films. With Memento and The Prestige as successful films (I have not yet seen the later), Warner Brothers made a right decision to hand the Batman franchise to Nolan. I hope that his success will continue to revitalize the Dark Knight, but I doubt he will be able to create as intricate a plot as he did in Memento.