Stunning, Brilliant

Rating: 10/10 (20 February 2002)

This was the most brilliant movie of 2001 and I am in shock that it didn't get an Oscar nomination. Told completely backwards, director Christopher Nolan takes us on the hunt for a killer as seen through the shattered reality of a man with no memory. Guy Pearce is simply remarkable as Leonard, whose obsessive persuit of the man that kills his wife has consumed his life, and in the wake of his condition it is, in fact, the only thing he is living for. The supporting cast is amazing, the always terrific Joe Pantoliano for one, who just has this knack for playing likable sleaze, and Carrie-Anne Moss, known best for her role in the Matrix films, is also pitch perfect in a Noir film that redefines the genre for the new century. It can be hard to follow if you're not paying attention, but in the end the eccentricity of how the tale is told makes more and more sense as, just like Leonard, you never know how he got to the point where he is. A brilliant, moving film that deserved better from Oscar this year. it's one of my favorite films and i've told just about everyone I know to go ahead and rent it. Remarkable.