Gripping, absorbing film-noir

Rating: 10/10 (4 April 2001)

I haven't seen a film for a long time that has kept my attention so absolutely as Memento did. It is a superbly crafted film-noir thriller that is rivetting from beginning to end. Or should that be from end to beginning?
You see, that is what makes Memento so interesting. It is told backwards. Guy Pearce plays a guy who suffers from short term memory loss - he can't form any lasting new memories ever since his wife was raped and killed by the mysterious Jimmy G.
He keeps his life stable by writing notes on polaroids so he knows where he is staying, notes on the crime are kept in a rubber bound foldre provided by a contact within the police department.
He is looking for the guy that killed his wife, Jimmy G.
The structure of Memento is clever in that we share the amnesiacs fate throughout the course of the film - we see the results of actions and are as bemused as he is - it is only later we see the cause.
Guy Pearce puts in a stellar performance as the afflicted avenger. He is totally convincing and fully immersed in his role.
He is ably supported by Joe Pantoliano and Carrie-Anne Moss who may or may not be what they seem - are they using him to their own ends or not?
Get out and see it. A film guaranteed to please if there ever was one. It'll have you talking post-movie with your mates in such a way you haven't experienced since seeing The Usual Suspects.