Memento chronicles two separate stories of Leonard, an ex-insurance investigator who can no longer build new memories, as he attempts to find the murderer of his wife, which is the last thing he remembers. One story line moves forward in time while the other tells the story backwards revealing more each time.Written by
Scion013
Christopher Nolan wanted to bring in a lighter mood throughout the middle of the film. He felt it was important to switch up the tone to keep the repetitive nature of the film's structure from becoming tedious. The director also wanted to bring in some of the trappings of an action star having to cope with the burdens of short-term memory loss. Hence the moment where Lenny smashes in the door to the wrong motel room. See more »
Goofs
During the confrontation between Leonard and Teddy after Leonard has killed Jimmy, Leonard mentions the $200,000 in Jimmy's car. However, at this point he has already forgotten about killing Jimmy, so he should also have forgotten about the money as Teddy doesn't mention it. See more »
Quotes
Leonard Shelby:
There are things you know for sure.
Natalie:
Such as?
Leonard Shelby:
I know what that's going to sound like when I knock on it. I know that's what going to feel like when I pick it up. See? Certainties. It's the kind of memory that you take for granted.
See more »
Alternate Versions
On the 2 Disc, Limited Edition R1 DVD, a "chronological" version can be found by going through the questionnaires on the second disc. When the question comes on screen concerning the lady with a flat tire, answer the 4-part question in reverse order (#3, then #4, #1, and #2) and the "chronological" version will play. The rewind and fast-forward features do not work while watching this version. If you put the pictures in the "correct" order, you get to read the short story the movie is based on. See more »
If the director of this independent film tried to make us feel really confused, like the main character, he did it wonderfully. There are only a few movies like this one, the kind of movies that makes you pay attention to every minute of it. Obviously that doesn't work all the time, but this case is the exception. Really well directed with a wonderful photography and excellent cast. The main actors' performances are great. We really root for the guy as we hate the ones who try to take advantage of him.
Original films like this one always stand out. Perhaps it didn't caught much attention at first but now it is in an important position at the IMDb top 250 and that means that most the people recognize great movies when they see them.
As I said before, this movie is a little confusing because it runs backwards while the black and white scenes run in chronological order. But that wasn't a cheap trick to make the movie more "intelectual", it was its strength. A rare film that shouldn't be missed.
51 of 59 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
| Report this
If the director of this independent film tried to make us feel really confused, like the main character, he did it wonderfully. There are only a few movies like this one, the kind of movies that makes you pay attention to every minute of it. Obviously that doesn't work all the time, but this case is the exception. Really well directed with a wonderful photography and excellent cast. The main actors' performances are great. We really root for the guy as we hate the ones who try to take advantage of him.
Original films like this one always stand out. Perhaps it didn't caught much attention at first but now it is in an important position at the IMDb top 250 and that means that most the people recognize great movies when they see them.
As I said before, this movie is a little confusing because it runs backwards while the black and white scenes run in chronological order. But that wasn't a cheap trick to make the movie more "intelectual", it was its strength. A rare film that shouldn't be missed.