Memento

Rating:
Summary: I CAN'T READ MY OWN WRITING
Review: This film is so gimmicky, it's difficult to tell if there is an actual movie running beneath it's preposterous premise. It seems like an homage to Alzheimer's Disease or cancer as it finally invokes sympathy for sufferers of debilitating illnesses in the plight of a man suffering from a condition that causes him, at the least, short term memory loss. Filled with the paranoia and insecurity of terminal illness, it succeeds in it's schizophrenic portrait of a man who occupies time by behaving like a maniac from an action movie for the mere sake of staying alive or sane. Guy Pearce is at first jarring as the confused ruffian, his porcelain handsome appearance seems more fitting for a fashion show, but he soon reveals a convincing desperation as a man who may or may not be in complete touch with reality. "Memento" both flourishes with interest and diminishes all sparks in art film overkill.

Rating:
Summary: Best movie you probably haven't heard of...
Review: Who is Guy Pierce? Did you catch him in "LA Confidential"? How about the beautiful Carrie-Anne Moss from "Matrix" fame? Not to mention Joe Pantoliano (numerous co-star roles)... in my book, these are all names you know, but you might not be able to place a face at the snap of a finger. But, these 3 actors are all making a great name for themselves in Hollywood. All 3 delivery the goods in this backwards thriller. This widescreen 113 minute adventure starts at the end... and it leaves you guessing as to why it all happened. The story evolves around Leonard Shelby (Pierce) and his plight to find out who raped and killed his wife. He has a problem tho, he lives in the present (only). He has no long term memory. His only way of remembering things is to take notes, take pictures (with his Polaroid 690 camera), and tattoo himself with the unforgetable info. This film is just one of those amazing creations that you hear by word of mouth. I saw very little advertising and no trailers at the movie theater. You will want to see this movie 2 or 3 times and then you will realize the brilliance behind it.

Rating:
Summary: The plot is not the point
Review: I'm writing specifically to respond to the numerous people who thought that this movie's structure was "contrived" to hide a weak plot. It's often been said that there are just a few distinct plots that arise repeatedly in all literature (I think it might have been something like ten). What differentiates a great story from a terrible story, then, is the attention to detail, the characterization, and the degree to which we are convinced of the story's reality. In short, it is not the story being told but rather the *way* in which it is being told that makes great literature... and great movies.

In this respect, _Memento_ is a masterpiece. Far from being a pretentious contrivance developed in order to cultivate an arthouse atmosphere, the story's disjointed structure serves to convey Leonard's own disorientation and paranoia, his sense of having an idea what he's about to do, but not knowing what he's just done. Indeed, this structure is about the only way in which that feeling *could* be effectively communicated. The scripting and execution throughout the movie are flawless, and the acting is superb. Joe Pantoliano should top everyone's list for best supporting actor, and Carrie-Anne Moss and Guy Pearce also turn in Oscar-worthy nods. The story itself, presented in forward order, may not be the greatest ever written. However, the way in which the story is presented, and the philosophical explorations it takes along the way, make this a superb movie.

Rating:
Summary: Do you enjoy great stories? Watch Memento.
Review: Not much to say as I can only praise this smart movie.

Most stunning for me was how well the story-telling works. Not a rip-off of the "segmented story", instead it uses a very unique timeline approach.

The story is excellent. Rent if you still have doubt!

Rating:
Summary: One great movie
Review: This movie is shot backwards. The last scene is basically the first, while the first is the conclusion. If that's not confusing enough, the main character is trying to solve his wife's murder. Here's the catch---he in unable to make memories. He has no short term memory so he has to write the clues on Polaroids that he has taken. He also tatoos the clues onto his skin. This man is a freak, but quite interesting. As the movie plays backword, you are formulating the clues yourself in order to solve this mystery. If you do not like to pause movies, YOU WILL NOT WANT TO LEAVE YOUR SEAT TO USE THE BATHROOM OR GET A BEER OR A SNACK.

Rating:
Summary: Sets A New Standard For Psychological Thrillers
Review: Memento, based on a short story by Christopher Nolan's brother, is a definite masterpiece and a tribute to how important film editing is. Memento goes backwards in time and in between moments are tidbits from a conversation about another man that suffers from the same condition Guy Pearce's character suffers from. It makes the suprise ending more of a suprise.

Memento is about a man who is searching for the murderer of his wife. He recieves help from a bar owner and a another guy. Memento adds new depth to the psychologicial thriller genre and pretty much is the most original film to come out of Hollywood in years. Guy Pearce gives a amazing performance and probally the best of his carrer. Carrie-Ann Moss also delivers a great performance.

There is only one disappointing thing about this film. Sometimes it is hard to rember (no pun intened) what happend before the next moment. It is pretty cool how Guy Pearce's character takes pictures and has tattoos to rember things. But, you really do acutually start to dive into his mind after the first half and belive what he belives. You belive all of that until the ending, where it completly shocks you and makes you question everything.

It also is a tribute sound editing and soundtrack creating. The sound is set up to echo and brings you into his world. The soundtrack is the icing on the cake and brings new depth to this already amazing film. The soundtrack is very important to this film as it is too Requiem For A Dream, The Godfather, and Schindler's List.

Cinematography. That is what makes this film what it is. The editing just makes it pretty, but this is the bare bones. Now, I am not saying that the editing is worthless, it just is a add on. The cinematography makes you see through the people's eyes and view the world. This is really a new standard for cinematography.

This should definitly win Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Sound, and Best Soundtrack. It raises the bar for so many things and makes you just wonder what to belive.

"Now, where was I". ...

Rating:
Summary: Great Movie
Review: I would recommend this movie to anyone with an IQ of over 100

Rating:
Summary: This is one of those few movies...
Review: ...That leave you thinking about yourself long after you've seen it. I was able to follow three complete stories and implications, but I'm sure there are many more. The DVD version is great: it has the original story and a very good multimedia interpretation of the movie, the designers are on to something here. Highly recommendable!

Rating:
Summary: Best movie of 2001
Review: I go to the movies about twice a week, half of them independent films, and this is the best movie I have seen in the past year. I saw this movie three times in the theatre, and was excited to buy a copy for home.

I almost hesitate to write a review of Memento, because part of the beauty of this movie is watching the plot slowly unfold in interesting and unexpected ways, so beware: do not read too many reviews, as they will spoil this wonderful element of the movie!

Without giving too much away, the movie is about a man with a condition known as 'anterograde amnesia.' This is a bona-fide neuopsychological disorder in which the victim cannot form *new* memories after becoming afflicted. They can remember everything from before their injury, but after the injury they forget things five minutes after they happen. This movie tackles many interesting philosophical questions about the construction of the self, memories, and the world using anterograde amnesia as a vehicle. If you liked The Matrix, you will *love* Memento.

If you get off on movies that make you think, movies that leave puzzles hanging in mid-air only to be taken up again much later in the movie, this is for you. If you like a movie that forces you to think about philosophical issues, this movie is also for you. If you want a lighter movie that is not intellectually demanding (as we all do now and then), then I'd hold off on Memento, but only for a little while!

Rating:
Summary: Brilliant!!!!
Review: A masterpeice. This is the best film I've seen for 2001. Powerful and chilling, with an excellent performance by Guy Peirce. The DVD is lacking, but the movie itself is worth the price and then some. The ending is fantastic but you have to look into the film to understand the deep meaning behind it. This is a powerful film about human psychology. Oh yeah, there is no big plot hole as many reviewers say (you'll understand after you see it)

Matt