Mind Bending Suspense!

Rating: 9/10 (10 July 2007)

I can't think of a word to describe Memento. What is entirely original and delightfully complicated? 'Intricate' is a complete understatement in the case of this film. Memento simply grabs the viewer by the throat with these two elements. You'll be astounded by the nuances in the plot and puzzled by the unique way in which the story is assembled.
With that aside, Memento is a film in which the more effort you put into solving the riddle the more pleasure you will get in return. The story itself for those who don't already know, concerns a man who suffers a rare form of short-term memory failure ("It's not amnesia!"). Leonard cannot make new memories, however he still recollects who he is and his goal; track down the murderer of his late wife. This setting opens up some interesting opportunities for the superb direction/writing of Christopher Nolan. Leonard can be manipulated easily and must resort to piecing together his puzzling existence using photos, notes and tattoos. His condition makes the entire film feel like an intricate puzzle with plenty of twists and turns. Fortunately Nolan never lets Memento collapse into a stereotypical whodunit style mystery.
The most important technical aspect of the film is without a doubt the editing. Presumably to allow viewers to experience a world where the present isn't in anyway validated by the past, the time-sequence is inverted kind of. The film presents two stories, one going forward, one backward, one black and white, one color, both involving Leonard while the circumstances in which the two stories take place is left curiously ambiguous. This convoluted structure is the film's greatest asset. This film is nail-biting not because of teenage-fantasy-action but because the fundamental question of 'why did that scene just happen' is never fully answered. The uncertainty and intrigue in every scene is a superb emulation of Leonard's mind-state.
Sound confusing? Good! Memento is a startling original and exhilarating thriller. This movie genuinely deserves its spot in the top-250. The absorbing, troubled and uncertain atmosphere of Memento will definitely stay with you long after the credits roll. An absolute gem.