What Is Reality Without Memory?

Rating: 10/10 (26 June 2001)

This is the kind of film that I had almost given up hope of a Hollywood studio ever making. Can you imagine selling the idea to Hollywood exec's? I tried explaining the plot to a friend & couldn't even do it, even after seeing the film & understanding what was going on!
The way the plot unfolds in reverse is a terrific idea, as it robs the audience of the usual narative mechanism, putting us in the position of the character, Leonard Shelby (an excellent Guy Pearce). This is written large during the chase scene, where he's running, but can't work out whther he's chasing someone, or being chased.
Here's where the skill of the director, Christopher Nolan (who also has writing credits), comes to the fore. There is no sledgehammer-to-crack-a-nut plot lines. Natalie's character introduces us to the way Leonard can be maniplulated due to his short term memory loss & Leonard's own recolections of Sammy Jankis fills in some of the other blanks. After that you have to put two & two together. This is NOT "Die Hard" where it's a case of events being set up like pins in a row, with the obvious intention of them being knocked down later, you have to think about this one & BOY will it make you think.
In the end some may not work it out, but or those who do the prize is sweet. Enjoy.