Excellent brain teaser

Rating: 8/10 (16 April 2003)

8/10
This movie is very clever and very original. Memento is a story of a man who loses his wife in a rape attack inside their home, pledging that he will track down a murderer for revenge and peace of mind. The main problem is that Lenny (Guy Peirce), after the attack, was left with a problem in that he cannot retain any long term memories. Well that's one brief summary of how to look at it, but there are others. Indeed this film is excellent and played with my emotions, emotions of sympathy, anger and questioning my own morals and judgements. Peirce is exceptional as the lead, and the characters that come into contact with him also give fine performances (notably Carrie-Anne Moss and Joe Pantoliano). Focusing on the problem of losing a memory after approximately 15 minutes, we begin to appreciate just how frustrating Lennys plight is. The film is beautifully shot alternating between colour and black and white (there is a logical reason), and as suggested the movie is thought provoking and intelligent. However, on my first viewing I must admit I thought it was distinctly average. Yes, its one of these films where I would urge you to watch twice, possibly three times, as I like many only appreciated it after a number of viewings. Highly innovative movie.