Memento

Rating:
Summary: Now where was I?
Review: Man's "soul" is the sum of his collective experiences.

Man is, by nature, amoral.

Man's existence is made bearable only by his own invention.

If Memento doesn't sweep the Oscars next March, the Academy should be disbanded.

Rating:
Summary: Abandom All Expectations, You Who Enter Here
Review: Bring no expectations to this film. Some reviewers have been (over)using the word "linear" in writing about this film, trying to describe the fact the story is not told beginning with A, and progressing neatly to B, and all the way to Z. However, the film does more than simply skip randomly from one letter to another. The film has a precise structure.

Leonard is a man with Hippocampal brain damage. He has short term memory as long as he sticks to one subject. As soon as the subject changes, he has forgotten what he was previously discussing. Someone says something to him, he turns his head, and has forgotten what was said. He also cannot make new memories. He remembers everything that happened in his life before the head injury he sustained when his wife was raped and killed. (or was he hit just before she was attacked?)

Leonard is a fighter, however. He tattoos information on his body. He takes Polaroids and writes information on them in indelible black ink. He has a flow chart on the wall of his hotel room with pictures and notes. Step by step, Leonard is learning to cope with his brain deficit. His struggle and success is symbolized (in case we miss it) in his tattoos. The early ones are amateurish scrawls, while the later ones are precise lettering, and the very recent artistic script.

The narrative structure for this story is Leonard's ability to frame his experiences. At first it is poor, and the viewer is confused. We see scenes, and are introduced to characters, but we can't make any connections among them. Later in the movie, each scene makes sense; it connects to something else; we see the whole picture, and not scattered and disjointed bits.

It is very clever. I thought of Roshomon, watching it, but it is much more intricate than Roshomon. Even more mind-boggling is Guy Pearce as Leonard. He proves himself a consummate actor in this film, at least to me. His range is astounding: the last film I saw him in was Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.

Also, if you see this film, you get to hear one of the funniest lines of the year: "What's going on here? OK...I'm chasing him. No. He's chasing me."

Rating:
Summary: Buy this movie!!!
Review: A nourish thriller about a man who can only remember the last few minutes of his life and has to find the killer(s) of his wife. Only the story's told out of order and often repeats itself showing what you just saw(or thought you saw) in a new light. Similar to Pulp Fiction, but much more intense in that regard(and all regards, really). A very scary movie that chills you not because of potential danger, but because you'll have to imagine what you'd do if you were suffering from the disorder.
I didn't think I'd like this before I saw it. The description rubbed me the wrong way. But after viewing it, I thought it to be the best movie to come out in years.
This is a treat not only because it's so damn good, but also because it's so original and unconventional. Pick this one up.

Rating:
Summary: Psychological Thriller
Review: Memento, though under-rated and not popular, was possibly one of the best films of the year 2000. Guy Pearce plays Leanord, a confused, but earnest man who's sole purpose in life is to find his wife's murderer. His handicap--the disability to form new memories--severely impares his search for the murderer. He doesn't know where he is, he doesn't know how he got there, but he does know what he wants to do next. So Leanord gets tattoos and writes notes to remind himself who he's searching for and important things that he has discovered. "It's like waking up," he tells people who ask what it's like. Leanord's major problem in the search is the people he meets. His "buddies" take advantage his memory-loss, and Lenny falls for it sometimes. Natalie could just be using him to kill Teddy. Teddy could just be using him to kill Natalie's husband. What makes this movie so interesting is that contrary to most omnipotent audiences, the audience for this film does not know what's going on. We know as much as Leanord, if not less. This film leaves everything up to our own reasoning skills. Nothing is solid. "The memory is an interpretation, not a record." In the end, we don't even know if Lenny has the right reason for this search; does his wife live or die?
To top off this confusion, the movie is completely backwards (except for sporadic B&W clips). The ending is already known, it is the beginning that this movie is searching for. Along with the plot, the cinematography is superb. With bone-chilling images of his wife's murder, and records of Leanord's distorted memory, the camera really conveys Leanord's deep confusion. I recommend this to any film-noir lovers! If you're sick of seeing movies like American Pie and Scary Movie, Memento is a fresh change of pace.

Rating:
Summary: Frustratingly superb
Review: Considering the undeniably interesting and original premise (guy with no short term memory goes in search of wife's killer) and the film's rave reviews, its perhaps surprising that this film didn't do better. But then again it didn't contain Hollywood superstars, and before anyone mentions Blair Witch, a hugely successful (and fake!) marketting scheme. More importantly, it's an adults' movie, which of course means that it can never be a box office success. Although maybe those times are changing with 'American Beauty' and 'Magnolia' doing so well.

Anyway, the movie itself is told backwards. Here the end is the beginning, the audience gets to see who Pearce took his vengeance out upon, and we backtrack to the beginning to find out the real conclusion. This twist is ingenious, but makes for frustrating viewing as you try to grasp what's going on whilst watching the action at the same time. This is a must-see-twice movie if ever there was one. The acting from every quarter is wonderful, hopefully setting up Guy Pearce as a major star . Come on Hollywood, the rest of the stars of 'L.A Confidential' are doing well! Carrie-Ann Moss proves that there's more to her than rubber suits and special effects and Pantoliano gives a magnificent turn as Teddy.

So what makes the movie special? Well, it's intelligent for one. There's a neat little subplot that tugs at the heart strings. Plus the director manages to extend empathy towards all of his miserable characters, imbuing them with life rather than using his supporting cast as mere cardboard cut-outs to help make the lead look good. But what is the film about? Any number of things really. It challenges its audience's ideas of memory and its reliability as well as showing just how bland and easily forgettable most of today's movie fodder is. This is a film to end all films: it makes you think, cry, laugh and sit at the edge of your seat.

Rating:
Summary: absolutely one of the best movies i've ever seen
Review: at the end of the very first scene (played in reverse), my friend and i looked at each other, jaws agape, and thought simulataneously "this is going to rock."

this is one of the most original, well directed, and well written movies i've ever seen.

this is the kind of movie where you have to watch more than once - not because its confusing (which i suppose it can be if you dont pay attention), but because of the close attention to detail that the director put into the film. obviously there is the progression of picture taking/caption writing, and his facial wounds. but look closer: one of the first things i noticed watching the movie was that the car gets a little cleaner in each time jump. little things like that add so much to the overall effect.

walking out of the theater, i decided that it automatically made my top 10 list of coolest movies ever.

i recommend that everyone at least rent it; it was absolutely fantastic.

Rating:
Summary: I remember it being a very good movie...
Review: ... but this film challenged my perception of, and thus my reliance on, memory -- so I can't be absolutely sure.

Even the DVD menu is constructed in a non-linear fashion. This is a very comprehensively produced piece of home entertainment.

This is one I will watch again and again.

Rating:
Summary: Wow, I just have to say it is a thinking movie
Review: Listen, I generally get lousy ratings for my movie reviews, so I am prepared for this. That being said; here goes.

A THINKING MOVIE, NOT A RELAXING ONE:
If you like a movie that makes you put your head in gear, this is it. Pay attention very closely to what goes on in this movie.
I plan on watching it again and again, because there is some loose threads that just don't fit.

UNUSUAL PRESENTATION BUT DONE REALLY WELL:
Are you a Pulp Fiction or an X-files fan? You might really like this. No, no aliens, just an unusual story line. I have to be careful not to ruin it for you. This movie is not only different in that it is about a guy with short-term memory loss, but it is presented differently. In a way you as the viewer are forced to piece together the movie, just like the main character does in his notes. It is really well done.

BASIC STORY LINE:
In a nutshell, Lenny is a guy that has short-term memory loss. Leave the room after talking to him for 15 minutes and he will forget who you are. He remembers his past, his wife, her attack. Everything is up for grabs after that. However, he wants his revenge for her attack. This is his theme and his tatoos help piece together this puzzle.

ACTORS:
Guy Pearce memorable in L. A. Confidential as the rule-stuck young cop is almost unrecognizable in his bleached-blond look as Lenny. He does an admirable job showing the confusion of a young man with a brain disorder that literally forces him to live in the moment. Notes, tatoos and Polariod photos take the place of his memory.
Joe Pantoliano from the Matrix plays Teddie, his sleazy accomplice, providing confusion and direction. Carrie Anne Moss also from the Matrix is Teddie's counter-balance. Who does a guy with no memory trust?

NOT A MOVIE TO RELAX BY, BUT UNIQUELY ENJOYABLE:
If you want to think, this is a great movie. If you want to coast, watch something else and save this when you want to get your mind in gear. Some people like movies like this, some people hate them. It may also just depend on your mood.

IF AT FIRST YOU DON'T LIKE IT, GIVE IT AT LEAST 1/2 HOUR:
When I first started watching this movie, my thought was, it was kind of tedious. Great a weirdly unfolding movie. Then when a couple of things happened that I didn't expect, it really got my attention. Give it at least 1/2 hour to get yours.
Enjoy.

Rating:
Summary: everything works
Review: this review is based on the movie. my choice for best movie of the year, definitely best script and editing. the presentation fits the subject. with few characters and scenes the movie is intense as it races time. please notice the black and white vs. color scenes, why? a must see again, thus the DVD. a keeper and possibly an important movie from a film standpoint. for the serious ones out there.

Rating:
Summary: Wow, What a Masterpiece!!!
Review: "Wow" is the only word to describe this movie. I have finally seen "Memento", and now I know that it's not pure hype; this movie is outstanding! This is one of my new favorite movies. If you like movies that make you think ("Fight Club," "Unbreakable"), then you will love this movie.

I will be quick and brief when I describe this movie, because this is another movie where you have to be careful on how you explain it or you'll give it away. Leonard seems to be an ordinary man, but he's not. He has a certain condition where he is unable to create new memories. If he talks to someone too long, he will forget what he was talking about and whom he was talking to. Leonard has an agenda in mind; to find and kill the person who raped and murdered his wife. Leonard can remember everything before the "incident," but he cannot remember anything new. So he takes pictures of people to remember them and he tattoos important information all over on his body so he will remember things. As his quest for vengeance continues, the more the twists and surprises come about. Just when you think you know everything, you don't.

This movie was brilliantly directed. The events in the movie are backwards and brief, which sort of gives us an idea of what the main character is going through. All though you do not see a lot of actors in the film, the ones who are in it deliver top-notch performances. Guy Pearce did an outstanding job and was the best actor in the movie. The screenplay was mesmerizing and made the characters seem that more realistic. There are a few extras on the DVD, but it would've been nice to have a few more in there, as always.

There are no guarantees that you will like this film. Since this is such a unique film, it means that only certain people will like it. I think it's worth viewing and even if you do not like the film, I think you'll admire how it was done. Hey, I hated "Citizen Kane," but even I can appreciate how it was filmed and directed. If you don't want a film that's going to make you think, then don't see it. If you want more action than story, don't see it. Otherwise, give it a shot! Since Leonard is so dependent on facts, here's a couple for you that will help you out during the movie:

FACT 1: Pay close attention to the movie. If I were you, I wouldn't take any breaks. If you do, you might forget what has happened, and you'll lose the rhythmic flow of the movie.

FACT 2: Nothing is what it seems. Make sure you pay attention to every character and every conversation that takes place.

FACT 3: Re-watch the movie. This is the type of movie that likes to screw around with your brain! You are very likely to be confused the first time around, but the second time should be a little more clearer.

This is a remarkable film and is an excellent thriller that outdoes most films. Who are Leonard's friends and foes? Who can he trust? What is real and what is not? You'll find that out soon when you see it. "Memento" shows you that some memories are best forgotten. What a spectacular movie!!