Complex, intriguing, amazing - an essential film to watch - 92%

Rating: 10/10 (16 June 2005)

Like many fans of the "Batman" movies, I had doubts about the new film "Batman Begins". Christopher Nolan is a director with an impressive but very short CV and I confess, I had doubts. So I figured a little research was needed before I cough up the cash to go to the cinema and what better than his critically acclaimed smash "Memento"? I was a little concerned about not being able to follow the famously non-linear plot but all concerns evaporated quickly as I was soon absorbed in this original and intriguing thriller.
Guy Pearce plays Leonard, the victim of a vicious assault where he was attacked and his wife was raped and murdered. As a result, Leonard has no short-term memory - he remembers everything before the attack but he is incapable of forming new memories, meaning he has to write down every important detail or tattoo it onto his body. Determined to find his wife's killer, Leonard soon finds himself assisted by waitress Natalie (Carrie-Anne Moss) and garrulous individual Teddy (Joe Pantoliano). But can he conquer his condition to bring the killer to justice?
"Memento" is a very strange movie, filmed backwards but interspersed with the present, filmed in black and white. As a consequence, you quickly discover who the killer is and the clues reveal themselves instead of being formed. They just pop up in Leonard's pocket - a photo of a person or a new tattoo on his chest - but the film follows the reasons behind the clues rather than what the clues lead to. Once you've got your head around this unusual complication, "Memento" is a simply stunning film and a remarkable achievement. In terms of writing, editing, directing and acting, this is one of the best films that I have seen for many years. It is utterly captivating, drawing you into it's myriad story lines from the first frame. I can think of few other films with a better opening and due to its nature, it refuses to let go of your attention. Things like toilet breaks and food don't matter all of a sudden!
Guy Pearce has done a fantastic job of bringing Leonard to life, surely the role of a lifetime and proves that "LA Confidential" was no fluke. Pantoliano is typically brilliant but Moss is a real surprise, providing depth and mystery to a character that would just be another love interest role in the hands of a lesser story-teller. Almost enough to banish memories of a certain cat-suit! The only thing I could criticise is the number of plot-holes but seeing as that universal plot-discrepancy device (a dodgy memory) is used, you could say that this isn't really a great point. The other thing is deciding how far back do you go - I still had questions at the end of the film but then again, so would Leonard. "Memento" demands your concentration and admiration in equal measures. It is a wonderfully complex and interesting thriller and offers some hope that Mr Nolan can resurrect the Dark Knight once again like Tim Burton did before him.