An excellent intrigue, backwards

Rating: 10/10 (9 September 2000)

This movie concerns the memories of a man, Leonard, who suffered the loss of his wife and of his short term memory. Because of a head injury, he cannot recall events more than a few minutes' distance. For Leonard, every wakening is a complete mystery or rediscovery. Armed with notes to himself, many helpful tattooes and a polaroid camera, he examines the mystery behind his wife's death. We see his experience in reverse, in a way that disables us in the same way as Leonard. The movie succeeds in conveying the confusion, mystery and experience of a man bereft of memory.