Rating: 
Summary: A Memento To Remember
Review: What do you say about a movie that destroys almost all conventional elements of film? This is, without a doubt, a shocking swan dive into the areas of film that have not been uncovered. The writing in this film is brilliant. It takes us through a story of a man who has lost all of his short term memory, but at the same time must figure out who killed his wife (whom he remembers in his long term memory). Does it sound confusing? Well, you would think so. Fortunately, the film is so well done that you never lose sight of what you need to know. The acting in this film is so subtle, so refined, that it feels so desparately real to the viewer. You delve into this strange world and become one with it in ways that few films can get away with. As the credits began to run at the end of the film, I found myself returning from a world that I had never visited before. That's more than you can say for most films today, isn't it?
Rating:
Summary: A While. I've Seen In. Best Movies. One of the.
Review: This movie really was a treat, a great relief from the over-the-top, aural Ritalin movies of the summer season. I've been thinking about it for days, replaying the scenes in my head. If there's a chance at all that the people who will be responsible for putting this film on DVD someday are reading this, please figure out a way for people to watch the movie backwards, so people can see it play out chronologically. Great film.
Rating:
Summary: a must see...
Review: memento is one of the best movies i've seen this year. the concept is pure genius. as the movie progresses two timelines become apparent, one running forward, and the other backwards. clues start to become clearer and clearer as the two paths inevitably collide. the ending is definitely a great conversation piece, as moviegoers try to rationalize their respective interpretations. guy pearce (leonard shelby) gives a great performance as the aloof widower bent on revenge. carrie-anne moss and joe pantoliano are also noteworthy in their roles as leonard's friends(?). definitely a must see...
Rating:
Summary: very original
Review: a great movie keeps you thinking havent sceen anything this good in a long time
Rating:
Summary: gnivoM
Review: I have now seen this movie three times and the thing that continually strikes me is the character of Leonard. He is so determined in his quest and his conviction is so real we follow him. Even with the interesting narrative structure and obscure "ending" (beginning?) Leonard Shelby is so driven and pointed in his maligned odyssey that even in the end when we know the truth, we still wish he finds closure someday, even when this is not possible. A vision of hell and struggle, Memento strikes a nerve again and again.
Rating: 
Summary: "Did I Tell You About This Before?"
Review: This is one unique motion picture; a film noir the likes of which you've never seen before nor are likely to see again any time soon. Like "Jeopardy," the TV game show, "Memento," written and directed by Christopher Nolan, begins by giving you an answer (not to be confused with "the" answer), then lets you try to fill in the question. The story, told backwards (beginning with the end, the scenes are presented in reverse chronological order) is about a man named Leonard Shelby (Guy Pearce), who after suffering a traumatic blow to the head during an incident involving his wife (Jorja Fox), can no longer create new memories. Though he can remember everything up to the time of the incident, his short term memory lasts no longer than fifteen minutes, which renders him somewhat incapable (as you can imagine) of functioning normally. Which makes his current preoccupation especially difficult-- tracking down the man who did this to him. Ensconced in a cheap motel while he attempts to sort out his new life, Leonard must rely on Polaroid photographs and quickly scribbled notes to keep himself in the game. The particularly pertinent information he uncovers he tattoos on himself (a man's initials, a license plate number, whole sentences that remind him what he's after), thereby insuring that no vital piece of the puzzle that is now his life will be lost. But it's a tricky business, especially when it comes to remembering who he can trust. All he has to go on are his instincts and his notes; and constantly having to deal with people he's just met-- even if it is the same ones, over and over again-- puts him in a perpetually vulnerable position. He knows there are those who would exploit him because of his condition, so along with everything else, he has to keep his guard up every minute. How can he know who to trust when everyone he deals with is a stranger? It's a sticky wicket, to be sure; but he's determined to play out the hand he's been dealt, one way or another. Pearce gives a solid performance as Leonard, a guy to whom the phrase "living in the moment" takes on a whole new meaning. He makes Leonard convincing by never overplaying him, and by maintaining a kind of subtly reserved resignation laced with tentative anxiety; traits you would expect of someone in his condition. And that Pearce can make that critical connection with the audience, making Leonard someone to whom they can relate, is especially important, as this is a real "What would I do in that situation?" kind of film. Also very effective is Carrie-Anne Moss as Natalie, the woman whom Leonard may or may not be able to trust. Natalie becomes something of a mystery within the mystery, as she comes across as rather enigmatic initially; one of those characters you can't quite figure out, which allows you to identify with Leonard even more, because you know he's trying to decipher her motives, as well. The same can be said for Teddy, played by Joe Pantoliano, who becomes another constant enigma in Leonard's life. It's another case of "Who is this guy, really?" and, again, along with Leonard, it keeps you guessing until the end-- which is really the beginning. But it's that kind of movie; a first rate mystery, from end to beginning (and when you see it, you'll understand). At any rate, by the time it's over you have a pretty good idea of what fits where. Natalie, at least, tips her hand at one point; Teddy, though, is a bit tougher to figure out. And if you don't believe me, just ask Leonard. The supporting cast includes Mark Boone Junior (Burt), Stephen Tobolowsky (Sammy Jankis), Harriet Sansom Harris (Mrs. Jankis), Callum Keith Rennie (Dodd) and Larry Holden (Jimmy). This is one of those movies that leaves you asking yourself, "Who could think up something like that?" while at the same time you're saying "Yeah! give me more!" To say the least, "Memento" is emotionally involving and thoroughly engrossing, and Nolan wisely throws in some humor to give some respite to the constant, underlying tension (at one point Leonard says to Teddy, "Did I ever tell you about Jankis?" To which Teddy replies, "Only every time I see you."). Reminiscent of "Jacob's Ladder," but taken to the "Nth" degree, this is one film that will keep you talking about it-- and debating-- for a long time. And in another unusual twist, the real irony begins once the film is over, because at that point you're able to identify with Leonard even more-- there's just so much you have to remember to arrive at your final conclusion. Your best bet? Watch it again. That's the magic of the movies.
Rating: 
Summary: monotonous
Review: Guy Pierce's performance is compelling--the movie merely annoying. Unless you're seeking a couple of hours for light napping, stay away.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent, excellent film.
Review: First, for those who have not read the short story this film is based on, read it! It will give nothing of the film away except the basic premise, and it is incredible. Having read the story and seen the film, if any film ever deserved an Oscar for best screenplay adapted from an original work, this one does. Second, if there is anyone out there who claims to have seen the ending coming, they are LYING. The entire film makes sense if you pay attention, but like the protagonist, you will have no idea what's going on until the end. Leonard (Guy Pearce) was shot in the head during a home invasion that cost him his short-term memory and his wife. His last permanent memories are of the rape and murder of his wife. Now, he wants revenge, but he can't remember anything for more than ten minutes or so. To keep his mind on his quest, he writes notes on everything and tattoos "facts" on his body to remind himself what he "knows" or needs to know. My ONLY beef with the film is a minor hole in this premise - we never see a compelling way for him to remind himself about the nature of his condition, which having arisen as a result of same crime that killed his wife, he should not remember having. The explanation given during the film does not really jibe with later developments. Nevertheless, the film universe is otherwise consistent. Watching the tale unfold backwards, we see events more or less as Leonard sees them - disjointed vignettes that slowly paint in reality. Leonard does, however, enjoy a rare privelage along with his affliction in that he can repaint his life to suit himself, and that is what this film is really about - the way we tell ourselves the story of our own lives. Like all great films, this one raises more questions than it answers. Not that the actual narrative plot doesn't get laid out and wrapped up convincingly and well - the ending is a kicker to beat all kickers. Unlike "Sixth Sense", however, there are no narrative clues to give away the "twist" ending - you have to rely on thematic clues if you want to foretell the twist, and that is by no means easy. Cinematography-wise, this film was well shot, but nothing to write home about. The production design is simple "real, dusty town." The lack of sets that scream "this is a synthetic environment" reinforce the film, however - elaborate scenery or movie effects would destroy the elaborate "reality" of Leonard's universe. In this film, the actors manipulate the universe, rather than take cues from the director or the sets. Kudos to Carrie Ann Moss and Joe Pantoliano - they illuminate Leonards' quest perfectly, holding up as characters without distracting from the flow of the film - quite a challenge when the film runs "backwards". Like other complex films, notably "Fight Club", this one should stand up well to repeat viewings. Well worth buying.
Rating:
Summary: Best Movie of the Year!
Review: I don't really want to tell anyone about the plot. It was excellent, and you can read other peoples' comments as to why. The real reason I liked the movie was the amount of reseach that went into the memory deficits that form the basis for the entire movie. Leonard's character is based off of an actual condition where there is damage to a small area of the brain, the hippocampus, that is involved in consolidating long-term memories. In people where there is selective damage to this area, they will have exactly the problems that Leonard had. I've also read a couple of reviews that make the good point that if he can't consolidate memories, then how can he remember that he even has the condition? The answer is that he can indeed have insight into his condition, and that some real-life patients do as well. As the movie showed, there isn't just one form of memory, so Leonard may be able to remember that he has his condition via other forms of memory which are located in other areas of the brain. Go see the movie, you won't regret it.
Rating:
Summary: Just a fantastic film
Review: I was a bit skeptical about going to see this movie at first, seeing as it was only being played at the really run down theaters, but this movie easily makes it onto my top ten movies of all time. The photography, the art in which the story is told(backwards), the acting, everything. This movie just proves that you don't need big name actors to have a good film. do yourself a favor and see this movie.
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