Exhausting but fascinating thriller

Rating: 8/10 (28 March 2001)

A man (Guy Pearce) searches for the man who raped and killed his wife. One problem--he has no long-term memory and forgets things a few minutes after he hears them. Another thing--the whole story is shown backwards so you have to pay strict attention to what's going on. It's difficult (most movies don't want you to think) and exhausting but absolutely fascinating. The acting is simply superb, direction assured and the story full of unexpected twists and turns. Also there were revelations at the end (or beginning) that totally caught me by surprise. It's not a perfect film--I still can't figure out what Moss' character was doing in this--but how many films can you name that challenge you and don't treat you like an idiot. This will probably be a bomb (it's way too difficult for an average audience), but if you like something different and intelligent this is definetely a film to see!