Dreamlike memories

Rating: 10/10 (8 September 2001)

What a superb film. It's nice to see all the guys from 1997's 'L.A. Confidential' go on to have their own film masterpieces three years in a row. First Kevin Spacey with 'American Beauty' in 1999, Russell Crowe in 'Gladiator' in 2000 and now Guy Pearce in 'Memento' in 2001. It's almost impossible to describe this film without giving away the end but its dreamlike power reeled me in and gave me chilling reminders of Coppola's 1974 classic 'The Conversation' in the way some of the macabre elements played out quickly, sharply and figuratively. Pearce is totally convincing in his role and Joe Pantoliano plays his part with his usual character actor ambiance intact. With short scenes, pieced together like a jigsaw puzzle, and not revealing its meaning until the final 30 seconds of the film, 'Memento' is the best film of 2001 so far and it better get raves come Oscar time, or else!