Memento (2000)

A man with short-term memory loss attempts to track down his wife's murderer.

Director:

Christopher Nolan

Writers:

Christopher Nolan (screenplay), Jonathan Nolan (short story "Memento Mori")

Stars:

Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano

Top Rated Movies #54 | Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 57 wins & 57 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Guy Pearce	...	Leonard
Carrie-Anne Moss	...	Natalie
Joe Pantoliano	...	Teddy
Mark Boone Junior	...	Burt
Russ Fega	...	Waiter
Jorja Fox	...	Leonard's Wife
Stephen Tobolowsky	...	Sammy Jankis
Harriet Sansom Harris	...	Mrs. Jankis
Thomas Lennon	...	Doctor
Callum Keith Rennie	...	Dodd
Kimberly Campbell	...	Blonde
Marianne Muellerleile	...	Tattooist
Larry Holden	...	Jimmy

Storyline

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.

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Plot Keywords:

memory | short term memory loss | hidden truth | nonlinear timeline | murder | 

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Taglines:

Some memories are best forgotten

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Genres:

Mystery | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for violence, language and some drug content

Did You Know?

Trivia

The interior of Lenny's hotel room was a set. Christopher Nolan notes how expressive but realistic production designer Patti Podesta made the room, as the director wanted to make a "true update to a film noir." Likewise, he had cinematographer Wally Pfister keep the light from the windows in an effort to make the room feel more realistic.

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Goofs

When Leonard is being chased by Dodd, Leonard's window is intact, broken, and intact in successive scenes (before it is shot out by Dodd shortly thereafter).

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Quotes

[last lines]
Leonard Shelby: Now... where was I?

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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.

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Connections

Referenced in Weeds: Object Impermanence (2011)

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Soundtracks

Stone
(2000)
Written and Performed by Monc
Courtesy of Conglomerated Industries

User Reviews

Absolutely No Spoilers Here--READ THIS REVIEW INSTEAD!!!!

Thank Goodness I didn't read the reviews posted before I saw the film!! Most reviews (including ones on this site) will tell you waaayyyy too much about the movie, and that's just plain frustrating. But, as an avid cinephile, I promise not to do the same.

Memento is one of those pictures that will have you sitting in the theater after the lights come up so you can talk to everyone else about what they thought of the movie. This is a highly intelligent and original brain teaser that will have you guessing from beginning to end, and even afterwards. The story and the direction are the best I've seen so far this year, and it deserves all the kudos it gets.

Plainly put, the film tells the story of Leonard Shelby: a man who lost his short term memory in an assault where his wife was raped and murdered; now he's looking for the killer, despite his handicap. Simple as that. You don't need to know anymore.

The film is constructed and told in such a way that you are constantly put into the shoes of Leonard Shelby, beautifully played by Guy Pierce. Carrie-Ann Moss gives an equally mysterious and complex performance. This film is well-made all the way around--from the direction, to the editing, and especially the unique story that is rarely found in Hollywood these days. Four Stars!

This review may have been a little dry on the details, but go see the movie--you'll be thanking me later.

PS: Only go to the official website AFTER you've seen the movie. It too will give too much away. Afterwards, though, go and look at it--it's pretty impressive.

Details

Official Sites:

Memento Official Facebook

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

25 May 2001 (USA)

Also Known As:

Memento

Filming Locations:

Hill Crest Inn, 9111 Sepulveda Blvd, North Hills, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$9,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$235,488, 18 March 2001

Gross USA:

$25,544,867

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$40,047,078

Company Credits

Production Co:

Newmarket Capital Group, Team Todd, I Remember Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

113 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1