Momento: A State of Mind

Rating: 8/10 (13 January 2006)

Have you ever woken up in a strange room, surrounded by unfamiliar things, and wondered where in the world you slept last night? More importantly, have you ever wondered what exactly you had done? Picture waking up every morning asking yourself these very questions. You know who you are and where you came from but cannot recall any recent details. With this I introduce the innovative film Momento, written and directed by Christopher Nolan.
Leonard Shelby, played by Guy Pearce, exists in this constant state of confusion. A massive blow to the head, acquired while attempting to attack his wife's assailant, leaves Leonard with an unusual ailment: he is unable to process and create new memories. Relying solely on a few Polaroids, notes, and tattoos Leonard vows revenge on the villain who he knows only as John G. With virtually nothing to go on and unreliable evidence, he must trust his instincts and pray for the best.
Natalie (Carrie Ann Moss) and Teddy (Joe Pantoliano) join Leonard in this mind boggling "Who are you?" mystery. We, the audience are ever watchful of their actions and constantly question their intentions towards Leonard. Natalie and Teddy poke at us, questioning what we really know. We are with Leonard every step of the way, needing to ensure his safety. The creative piecing of the story boasts this accomplishment.
Nolan throws us into the story at the end and we witness the events in reverse order, which results in the same confusion bestowed upon Leonard. Never knowing why a particular event takes place locks us in the dark, throws away the key, and keeps us on the tip top of our toes. The ingenious layout of the film's story line compliments the plot masterfully. Receiving snippets of information backwards and in twenty minute increments, the audience remains disillusioned for the length of the movie.
With only the Polaroids contained in Leonard's jacket pocket and the ink engraved on various body parts to reference, the audience inhabits Leonard's frame of mind. Overflowing with an abundance of dramatic surprises, revelations, and a handful of comic twists, Momento is anything but ordinary. Pearce captures our imagination and jump starts our psyche with a startlingly eye opening and convincing performance. Moss and Pantoliano reinforce the intense power and unpredictability of this film with elegance and ease. Capturing our attention and contorting it, Nolan proudly clutches our curiosity until the end, or should I say the beginning. This movie should be experienced at least once, if not again and again, but remember movie-goer etiquette and don't spoil the surprise.