Nolan
is a major talent and one to look for in the near future. His Memento is a compelling
mystery, and one well worth trying to solve.
Nolan
has fashioned a fantastic film noir in a way we've never seen. He forces the audience
to stay on their toes, guessing until the end (or beginning if you prefer). He
also uses different film stocks and techniques to help the viewer keep everything
in check. Memento does have hints of other films (Shattered, Total Recall etc.)
but ultimately, this is a truly original experience. What's more, this picture
is very understated. Upon a first glance, the big revelation in Memento may feel
a bit unfulfilling, but in retrospect, the resolution makes perfect sense. After
all, this isn't a typical Hollywood ending. Nolan would rather challenge the audience
than take the easy way out.
Pearce
turns in a star making performance (although he did remind me of Val Kilmer during
many moments of the picture) and he's so convincing that I never once doubted
his condition. Pearce also receives stellar supporting help in the form of Joe
Pantoliano (Bound, The Fugitive), and brilliant character actor Stephen Toblowsky
who turns in the strongest performance of his career.
Memento
is mind boggling to say the least and director/screenwriter Christopher Nolan
has found an intriguing way to leave the audience just as disoriented as his main
character. He actually tells the story in reverse. In other words, Memento actually
opens at the end of the story, and briskly makes it's way towards the beginning.
This makes for a unique movie experience, because you will already know the outcome
but will hardly know what lies around the corner, and believe me, Memento is full
of unexpected twists and surprises.
Guy
Pearce (L.A. Confidential) is Leonard, a man who, following a horrible attack,
suffers from short term memory loss. This isn't to say he can't remember anything.
He knows who he is, but it seems that he can't recall situations that occurred
moments earlier. When trying to solve a mystery, this makes for an interesting
challenge for our hero. Before long, Leonard begins leaving messages to himself
(including several tattoos on his body) to remind him of things that he will surely
forget (such as who his enemies are and who he can trust).
Innovation
has been very scarce in movies this year. Memento is a picture in which innovation
isn't only plentiful, but a star of the story as well.
