Modern classic

Rating: 10/10 (30 May 2003)

Picture the scene. You wake up with no memory of where you are, what you have done last or who you can trust. The last memory you have is of your wife being raped and stabbed by a mysterious man. This is the interesting premise for Memento, the first truly great film of the 21st century.
The film opens with Lenny, holding a Polaroid of a dead man- the person Lenny has just shot for the murder of his wife. The film works backwards from this point giving the audience the discovery of finding out how he got to that conclusion. This unusual narrative device both emulates Lenny's sense of confusion and challenges the audience simultaneously. While the audience is thinking, director Christopher Nolan throws complex ideas at the audience about death, memory and unfailing commitment, which both reflect and contrast with the main character's experiences. By the time the viewer reaches the `beginning' of Lenny's tale we feel mentally drained. Nolan exploits this by throwing up one of the darkest twists in recent memory.
Guy Pearce is revelatory as Leonard and instantly exudes an air of charm, desperation and menace to the character. Excellent support comes from Joe Pantoliano and Carrie Ann Moss shocks you to the core as the enigmatic Natalie- easily her best performance on screen to date. The acting is combined with the simple but haunting soundtrack to create a sense of real depth and emotion thrillers rarely provoke.
A shocking tale of love, murder and memory loss Memento becomes a classic due to its stunning performances, soundtrack and direction. Flawless.