Utterly insane story + fragmented time line = one of the most amazing thrillers ever

Rating: 10/10 (20 May 2005)

Without a doubt I have never watched a film that has engaged me more than Memento. The story is utterly insane, the time line is all over the place  yet it proves to be one of the most effective and entertaining thrillers available to date.
The film starts off with a bizarre shooting of an unknown individual being shown in reverse. As soon as the credits finish the film starts off from the ending. We soon learn that the shooter Leonard (Guy Pearce) suffered a large blow to the head on the same night his wife was raped and murdered. Everything leading up to the murder he can remember, but anything afterwards he can't remember. This is a superb spin on the clichéd amnesia thrillers, where in this case, the hero cannot form new memories as opposed to not being able to recollect old ones. Leonard is out to solve his wives' murder, but in doing so he must use a series of tattoos and photos to collect evidence and solve the mystery. Along the way he appears to be manipulated by a cop who seems to have a strange interest in him (Joe Pantoliano) and a mysterious bartender who seems to know more than she's leading on (Carrie-Anne Moss). But the real challenge is in judging, who is genuine and who is false?
The inspiring thing about this film, is that it's told in reverse; the events are told roughly in five minute intervals playing back from the end and working towards the beginning. By the time the film finishes you will be questioning yourself as to the truth about Lenny. This is one of the most original characteristics about this film; it is all open to personal interpretation. You seem to find yourself pausing the film every few minutes just to try and comprehend exactly what is happening. Definitely a web of mystery worth solving.
When you finally reach the end of this masterpiece, and the ending has been revealed you will be very satisfied. The only thing I can recommend afterwards is purchase the DVD! Behold there is an option to watch the film in the correct order, much less taxing on the brain. Yet this film will always remain an utter classic!