originality lives in a director who challenges himself and succeeds

Rating: 10/10 (28 April 2002)

How pleasing to find that mediocrity has not entirely destroyed the movie industry. Let's be honest, the powers that be are aware that it is not necessary to make an intelligent, engaging film with an original plot to make money, in fact such a film could possibly loose money. However; take a proven crowd pleaser, change enough details to appease copyright laws, cast a hunk and a honey, and frame it all with a few over-planed and well shot explosions... "Now dis a film to bust box-office r'cords, I gar'ntee..."
Shining through the cookie-cutter productions offered up as entertainment this year is this gem of a film Memento. Warning, if you enjoyed any of the following films DO NOT watch Memento:
Mission: Impossible II
What Women Want
Any Segal movie
Any Die Hard
Any movie with the phrase "I love this job" in the trailer
That should eliminate most of those movie goers who have been conditioned to turn off their brains as they take their seats. Because Memento will force the viewer to think, something which should NOT be a chore -- or am I the only one left who actually enjoys a plot which wraps itself around the mind and entices the viewer into constructing a mental maze of plot-lines and ever so cleverly brings us to safely through the twisting and winding walls. This is what story-telling is all about, to take us on a journey which our lives would not allow in reality and thereby escape that reality.
I won't bother to rehash the plot events, for that read another contributor's comments. Instead let's acknowledge the accomplishments of this film and its cast/crew.
First, the movie begins with the end. The hero avenges his wife and kills the bad guy. This is where we would usually go home but with expert ability Nolan keeps us riveted to the screen until the movie's end.
Second, the film has originality. Enough Said.
Third, each actor and actress does one hell of a job, my hats off to each and every one you, even the small parts, like the hotel clerk, are skillfully played. I also must make mention of an impressive editing job, which allows the viewers to understand the perspective of our main character. Ah, like real literature, I thank all those involved for this for I love literature, don't you?
Fou... O who's counting anyway...? The writing is superb with poignant irony and insight into the most interesting side of the human condition -- the dark side. Lines like;
"I can't remember to forget you."
"What the last thing you do remember?" Lenny replies, "My wife, (pause) dying."
"Let's see what am I doing. Ah, I'm chasing this guy." The guy shoots at Lenny. "No, No he is chasing me."

I could go on and on but I'll wrap things up with the most important component of any film, and it seems the one nobody seems to address; the theme. What is this film about? Remember Lit 101? The central theme defines the message of the story. (So what the hell is the theme of die hard anyway?) Memento, delves into the dark black side of the soul brining us face to face with the part of man which no one talks about; our delusions. The lies we tell ourselves, although never out loud, which allow us to go on with the daily routine. Leaving us to wonder, is it our own manipulation which silently drives our motives pulling us towards the eventual outcome like a strong undertow in waist deep water. In the end this film is about the person you believe yourself to be and how that relates to the person others perceive you to be as defined by your actions. Think about that for a bit and then, as honestly as you can, visualize the differences between these two people. Which one is really you?
See Memento, this is a movie worth your precious time -- which is the true cost of all movies, money you can get more of, but your time here is truly limited -- remember that the next time you buy tickets to that over-hyped summer block-buster release of Die Lethal Mission Rocky Commando Part XIV.
I give Memento a perfect 10 -- a score I have only given twice in a long career as a devout media-slave. (I was programmed early so I rebel with words and I am hard to please).
Thank you for your time --- Tymelord