A Good Brain-scramble

Rating: 10/10 (5 May 2001)

I really liked Memento the first time I saw it, but knew that the real test of a movie like this is if it holds up on a second viewing. I'm pleased to say it does. With the attendant hype, most everyone knows enough about the plot to forgo rehashing it here. But I must urge those who have seen it to give it another viewing: so many little lines and situations have such resonance when you know all the movie's secrets (which I won't spoil). It is most interesting on second viewing to pay close attention to the characters of Natalie and Teddy, as they are the most inscrutable; while they still have great mystery and complexity, it's fun--knowing what you know the second time around--to watch their brains click along and get a better grip on their motives. And not trying to sort out the mystery gives one a better opportunity to savor Guy Pierce's subtle, amazing performance; he is strangely pragmatic about his situation, yet infused with sadness. Not only do I HIGHLY recommend Memento, I recommend it even more as a repeat experience.