A+

Rating: 10/10 (12 November 2001)

Every once-in-a-while a film comes along that simply blows the viewer's mind. The Usual Suspects, A Simple Plan, and Magnolia are a few that did so for me. I can now add Memento to that distinguished list.
Memento is a dictionary-definition of top drawer filmmaking. Director Christopher Nolan, basing the story from his brother's idea, has put together the most intricate web of a movie that I have seen in some time, and my hunch is that it was not easy. The entire story is told backwards, with the opening scene actually being the conclusion to the story. This is the first film I have ever seen with a surprise beginning.
The story of revenge is really nothing new. It is Nolan's twist in his filmmaking that makes it all seem fresh.
Guy Pearce portrays Leonard, a man who suffers from the effects of anterograde amnesia, a disorder in which the victim can only remember events from a certain point forward (usually the event that caused the amnesia). The last thing he remembers is his wife being assaulted and killed. Now he is out to find the killers and get his revenge.
Because of Leonard's disorder, he must try and accomplish his revenge with notes and tattoos to remind himself of key facts. No easy task, but he is set in his ways, and wants justice.
Nolan puts the viewer directly in Leonard's shoes, making it easy for us to sympathize with him. This was crucial for the story to work, and Nolan accomplished it effortlessly.
Pearce, who has always favored roles along the lines of this one, plays Leonard flawlessly, with a fierce and determined look, and also that of desperation. The screenplay makes full use of him, and my hunch is that Pearce will have the character of Leonard engrained in him for the rest of his career. Excellent supporting roles are provided by Carrie-Anne Moss and Joe Pantoliano. Who should Leonard trust?
This is dramatic cinema at its best, and in my opinion one of the top three films of the year. This is the kind of movie you find yourself discussing with strangers in line at the grocery store.
Do yourself a favor and see the finest, most engrossing film to come along in the past few years.
A+