Innovative, thrilling and brilliant

Rating: 9/10 (24 May 2004)

-Possible spoilers-
I will admit to having seen Memento several times before, but every time I see this film (this time with my boyfriend, who hadn't seen it) I find yet another thing I didn't `catch' upon previous viewings. Memento is about Leonard, a man on the hunt for the man who raped and murdered his wife, only he has a pretty big wrench thrown into the whole plan  he has no short-term memory because of injuries he sustained during the attack. He may talk to someone and then two minutes later still be standing there, but have no idea who he's talking to anymore, so he employs the use of Polaroid pictures, body tattoos with clues, and many notes.
The story is compelling in itself, but the way it is told is fantastically brilliant. Instead of a regular linear story that has a start and a beginning, Memento is essentially told backwards. While the obvious thought would be that knowing a film's conclusion five minutes into the film would be anti-climatic, the screenplay and film are so well done that this only makes the film more suspenseful and thought-provoking, and of course, puts the viewer in a similar mental situation as Leonard themselves.
There are absolutely not enough good things to say about this film  even the acting is top-notch. Memento was Nolan's breakthrough film, and it really showcases his incredible talent. Shortly after seeing Memento, I watched `Following' his debut film, and was not disappointed. While I haven't yet seen `Insomnia' (which is on my short list to watch in the near future) I'm definitely looking forward to seeing his vision for the next Batman film because I think he is one of the very few filmmakers who could possibly compete with Burton's two installments. Most have seen Memento already, but if you haven't yet, take two hours, don't allow interruptions, and enjoy.
--Shelly