One of the greatest films of the past ten years

Rating: 9/10 (25 April 2001)

A lot of the time people are given to hyperbole when they see a good film at the cinema. 'It was fantastic...brilliant...best film I've seen in ages.' The real test is if the film sticks in your head. I saw Memento three months ago, and as soon as it is available to rent on video I will be first in line for a copy.
The story concerns a man named Leonard Shelby (Guy Pearce aka Ed Exley from LA Confidential, Mike from Neighbours), who as a consequence of witnessing his wifes rape and murder has lost his short term memory. He can only remember moments after this event in fifteen minute periods. Afterwards he forgets everything. He is trying to find his wifes killer, but the clues he gathers are not in his head. They are maps, diagrams, Polaroid photos, and tattoos of names and places which cover his body. He needs to rearrange this information to find the killer.
This could have been a very straightforward thriller, but in the hands of director Christopher Nolan it becomes a film which will mess with your mind for weeks after viewing. The editing and cinematography really contribute to an air of extreme paranoia, as do the peformances of the actors (including the delectable Carrie-Anne Moss).
In my view it was a scandal that this film was not exhibited in time for the Oscar nominations. It would have beaten Gladiator (great film though it is) hands down to the best picture statuette. If that sounds like hyperbole, go see the film. You'll see what I mean.