Memento
Leonard Shelby (Pearce) has a problem. Following a head trauma he can't make new memories. He tells everyone this everytime he meets them, because he doesn't know who they are.
Leonard Shelby (Pearce) has a problem. Following a head trauma he can't make new memories. He tells everyone this everytime he meets them, because he doesn't know who they are. His tattoos tell him that his wife was raped and murdered by John G and it's his continuing quest to find and kill this John G and finally get his revenge. He is helped by Teddy (Pantoliano) and Natalie (Moss) in his quest, which is told back to front, each 4-5 minute scene being followed by that which occurred previously.
Leonard's only knowledge of his previous successes in tracking down the killer are polaroid photos, his notes on each person, books of notes and tattoos, which cover his whole body, written in some cases, backward so he can read them in the mirror. So each day he learns what he knew yesterday and sets out to avenge his wife, with no idea of how long it has been since his wife died.
This movie screws with your mind, not only on what is happening in the movie, but as to whether you can trust your own memory. How often have you started telling a story to someone, only to wonder whether it happened to you or someone who told you the story?? Leonard's logical problem solving given the facts presented is great, and the backward telling of the story leaves you very sympathetic to Leonard, as for the most part you know little more than he does, but as the story unfolds, you begin to piece it together and see situations and people in a completely different light. If this had never been done before we would call this approach genius, but I don't remember seeing anything quite like this before, and if it's not genius, it's inspired film-making. The main players need a mention too, in particular supporting roles from Moss and Pantoliano, whose subtle changes of performance through the film make you continuously wonder whose side they are on. This film gets a bit uncomfortable to watch around the hour mark, as scenes reduce in length, picking up pace towards the finale, and you'll find yourself trying to process the last scene whilst the next one is running. It's a great film but requires quite a lot of commitment from the viewer.
As for the DVD, this R1 disk is a little disappointing. Picture is generally clear and sharp, considering the constantly changing shots from colour to stylised to black and white. DD5.1 is a little light on the surround channels, but always clear and sharp, with a "documentary" type ambience giving you the impression that you are there, in the scene. The only extra of note on the Canadian release of this disk is the hidden option to run the film in chronological order. Lovely idea but you have to select each scene, rather than having a seamless branching version that runs the whole film itself. Consequently this is a bit of a novelty, and won't really help you explain the film to someone. I was disappointed that there are no behind the scenes or interviews, as this is a truly innovative film that deserves much greater explanation than it is given here. Destined to become a cult favourite, perhaps a Criterion Edition in a few years will do it justice.
So you have an intelligent, but complicated film that requires some effort to appreciate. You probably won't get your money's worth purchasing this film, but it is a must-see for any self-respecting film fan.
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