Memento

Rating:
Summary: Complex revenge thriller
Review: A man suffering from a mental disorder (short-term memory loss), which means that he cannot recall events that would only transpire moments before, is entangled in trying to take revenge on the man that murdered his wife. The film is stylish and intelligent, smartly and ingeniously directed, and exploring a number of profound issues such as memory, identity and learning techniques, though it's overburdened by its elaborate and complex plot, which demands total concentration on the part of the viewer, or else the thread is lost. For buffs of "art" cinema, but definitely not for those who want some fast-paced, "no-brainer" entertainment.

Rating:
Summary: Journey to the glorious middle
Review: Those who describe "Memento"s narrative structure as simply one that moves backwards are doing the film a disservice. It's much more complex than that. Sure, part of the narrative moves in reverse chronological order, beginning with the end and moving backwards. But another part moves swiftly forward, starting from the traditional beginning. And then there are a series of flashbacks, which jump back and forth willy-nilly through time. It all culminates somewhere in the middle, the various narratives intersecting with a truly satisfying twist.

Those who describe "Memento"s narrative structure as simply an attention-grabbing gimmick are doing the film a disservice. Sure, it's a unique take on a standard film-noirish detective story. But I'd reason that the "gimmick" provides much of the suspense in the story. We know that Leonard kills Teddy in the film's opening scene, but we don't know why. We assume he's got the right man, but the slinky narrative forces us to question everything that we would normally assume. And the twist ending (which really takes place in the middle) would not have nearly the shock appeal if we hadn't already suffered along with Leonard throughout the course of the picture. Our emotional investment in him helps create the exhilarating moment when the curtain is pulled back and we really see who's pulling the levers. I was grinning wildly at this point, impressed that the filmmakers managed to catch me off guard.

Those who describe "Memento"s acting ensemble as anything other than spectacular are doing the film a disservice. Guy Pearce is laid back, stylish, and cool, even when caught in the midst of a hazardous situation. He's seen it all before (even if he doesn't really remember it), and that world-weariness is worn well in his role as a typical film noir anti-hero. He's also a fine example of the post-modern unreliable narrator. This convention, which works well when utilized in literature, is a tough feat to pull off in film, for the audience sees what the character sees instead of being told about it. The film's unique structure subverts this point, and Pearce is left carrying the load of exposition. He does it well. Joe Pantoliano, as Teddy, sports a cheesy moustache and crewcut, and gets to lurk suspiciously after Leonard even while he's playing as if the two are friends. Pantoliano imbues Teddy with hidden wisdom and cunning, wrapped up in a package that would intimidate no one. Carrie-Ann Moss, as the typical moll, does well in bringing out her character's street smarts and savviness. She appears to be in Leonard's corner, but Moss allows just enough doubt to keep her character intriguing. The rest of the cast appears too briefly for any solid judgement. Too bad, because Canadian boy Callum Keith Rennie, hee playing a vindictive drug dealer, is a fine actor who could have done much more than what he was given.

Those who describe "Memento"s writer/director as amateurish are doing the film a disservice. I found Christopher Nolan's work to be relaxed and assured. He'd have to be in order to keep the various narrative balls juggled in the air. A movie like this is ripe for continuity goofs and inconsistencies. After a couple of days contemplation, I can't find any. And all this while keeping the suspense tight, the story moving, the visuals appealing and perfectly symbolic. And even though he does his best to keep the audience up to speed, he never panders to the lowest common denominator by providing easy answers. "Memento" is a movie that you can't watch passively. It demands (and rewards) your attention.

Those who describe "Memento" as anything but a superb piece of filmmaking are doing the film a disservice. I enjoyed every minute of it, and can't wait to see it again, armed with the knowledge of what really happens. It's a terrific little movie.

Those who describe "Memento" as anything but a superb piece of filmmaking, are doing the film a' oh wait, have I told you this before?

Rating:
Summary: Great Movie- the best of 2001
Review: After seeing this movie you can appreciate that there are people out there you still want to create great movies. Guy Pearce gives the performance of his life in what I think will go down as one of the greatest films ever made. I wish I could describe more about the movie but that would be giving clues away

Rating:
Summary: Let this film be a memento to your collection!
Review: "Thumbs Way Up!"

This is the film I've been waiting for! My mind was still racing as I walked out of the theater! Memento is an incredible masterpiece, with mind-bending twists! The Academy, look no further, because Memento definetely deserves an Academy Award Best Picture nomination! Carrie-Anne Moss's performance was great, as she reteams with her MATRIX co-star Joe Panteliono. Guy Pierce also stars in this film. If you want info, which I just couldn't give away, about this film, then read other Amazon reviewers reviews, or see the movie for yourself and be totally, completely blown away by its glory! Memento is truly phenomenal! It is the guess, and guess again thriller of the year! Have fun!

Rating:
Summary: Don't move
Review: Don't look down at your watch; don't get up to use the restroom; don't go refill your coke. If you do, you'll miss something, and in this movie, every second counts (even if you don't realize it at the time).

The movie moves backwards in time. We start at the end, and move to the beginning, unravelling with each new scene the mysteries that short-term memory loss has created. It moves at an odd pace, quickly at some points, slow at others--but always perfect (you realize as the credits roll).

The acting is fabulous, and although I suspect this is the kind of movie people either love tremendously or hate passionately, the story is great. It's not your run-of-the-mill movie, and for this one, you'll actually have to think. It is about as unpredictable as a movie gets--and I had to revise my "oh! so that's it!" thinking so often that I almost gave up trying. But that's half the fun.

... I recommend it highly-if you like movies that make you think,...this is it.

Rating:
Summary: An INGENIOUS piece of masterful film making.......
Review: "Now where was I?"............Memento is without a doubt one of the greatest movies of all time and maybe the best movie of the new millenium. It's originality, and phenominal script out do any other movie I have ever viewed. Its backward chronological order is ingenious leaving the audience clueless and full of suspense as to how the protagonist Leonard Shelby wound up where he is in the present scene. Guy Pearce and John Pantaliono give amazing performances and Christopher Nolan's abilitys as a director and screen writer portrayed in this movie are simply unfathomable. This story of "memory man" Leonard Shelby's quest to find the man who raped and murdered his wife, is a twisted rollercoaster ride, leaving the audience thinking for days about what EXACTLY happened, and how. I suggest this movie to EVERYONE!! who appreciates GREAT film and a good suspense story. God, why does Sept. 4th have to be so far off. Maybe I should tattoo the date on my arm. What do you think Lenny?..............oh thats right, Leonard, i must have forgot.

Rating:
Summary: Brilliant treatment of an average idea
Review: "Memento" is brilliantly filmed and acted, and manages to keep the viewer close to the edge of their seat right up until the end- and then it falls apart. The last five minutes resolve most of the questions, but then the veiwer is left with... what? The final speech, in which the lead character summarizes his life, is really very weak and disappointing.

That's not to say say you shouldn't see it. It is still an excellent entertainment, far better than the typical pap shown on the screen today. The acting is, as mentioned first rate throughout. This is definitely an actor's movie- without being an ego trip for the cast. The cinematography is stunning. The pacing is perfect. It just leaves me wishing for a better plot twist at the end, a little more of a surprise.

Rating:
Summary: I have this condition....
Review: Memento is a very inovative movie that keeps you guessing right to the end even if you know who the killer is in the beginning.... wait that doesn't make any sense... it will once you see this one.

A "whodunit" mystery what moves backwards... yep that right you see the end of the story in the beginning and the end which is the beginning is the climax. Definatly a must see thriller where it really is impossible to know who the killer is until the end or was it the beginning?

Lenny (Guy Pearce) says that no one can be trusted other then himslef... but can forgetful main charactor trust himself?

Rating:
Summary: WATCH THIS......PLEASE!
Review: This is perhaps the most intelligent and enthralling film I have seen for a long time. Not only does it have one of the most talented casts you will see but it has the story to go with it. For some people who enjoy their no brainer blockbusters it might be hard to comprehend but please persevere! You will be rewarded with the most twisty-turny film you will probably ever see. There is just so much to explain that i would not be able to do it any justice. The real appeal of the film for me however lies in the cast. You have three of the best actors you can see at present. Guy Pearce is outstanding as is Carrie-Ann Moss and the ever sinister Joe Pantoliano. I can't understand why Guy Pearce is not on a par with Russell Crowe or Kevin Spacey (co-stars in LA Confidential). He seemed to miss out on all the plaudits and he deserves more than just a glancing nod of appreciation for his talent. The film thoroughly deserves it five stars and should be in some of those top five film lists that will soon be appearing!

Rating:
Summary: Best Movie I've Seen This Year
Review: In the mood for a psychological thriller? Memento had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Yet somehow even with all of the tension and serious subject matter, this film manages to have a sense of humor. This film is not only prime entertainment, but exhibits true brilliance with the way it forces the process of memory, inherently an internal function, into the visual realm with Leonard's disability. Leonard shows us how memory really works with all of its self-selected inacuracies and incomplete thoughts.