Extremely Clever Film

Rating: 9/10 (16 July 2002)

This is one of the most clever, unique movies I have ever seen.
I have had to watch this a number of times to really get a handle on the plot, but the movie simply held me in place. I couldn't take my eyes off it. Completely engrossing tale, told completely backwards.
The effect really puts you into the world of Leonard Shelby, the main character. An insurance adjuster who has been inflicted with short-term memory loss during a brutal attack that killed his wife. His world is one where he cannot understand what's happening around him because he can't remember what just happened 5 minutes ago. He is forced to take polaroids and write notes on the photographs to keep people and events straight. Watching the movie leaves the same sensation, as you don't know what happened just before. You actually have to continually think through the movie to understand the perspective of what you are currently watching. The experience was unlike anything I had experienced before, but I enjoyed it immensely. Bear in mind, though, you will have to see the movie more than once to put it all together.
Guy Pearce was superb, and seemed to be enjoying himself with the character.
If you're looking for something very unique, and intellectually challenging, you will be highly rewarded by watching this movie. This is unlike anything you've ever seen before.