Memento (2000)

Did you ever have a memory so bad you repressed it? - and when you repressed it, it took so much effort that it fried your brain? Well, that’s the idea I got out of Memento, a film by Christopher Nolan (Insomnia,) starring Guy Pearce as Leonard Shelby.

The story is told out of sequence and you are left at the end finally knowing who did what to whom but still having enjoyed the confusing ride in getting there. Leonard has done or seen something so terrible that his mind has become unhinged; his short-term memory has become impaired. Of course, he doesn’t know this so he has to keep writing notes to himself, taking Polaroids, and reintroducing himself to the same people, over and over. He also tattoos information onto his body, using it as a permanent notebook. I believe this behavior could be defined as “insanity.”

Director Christopher Nolan deserves kudos for putting together a movie that puts the viewer squarely in sympathy with protagonist Leonard Shelby. You learn things as he does and it’s difficult to jump ahead of him.

I really do not agree with the casting decisions, particularly of using character actor Guy Pearce (LA Confidential, The Count of Monte Cristo) as the lead, since he does not generate the charisma necessary to carry the entire story by himself. Even as a fairly involved co-star, as in “Monte Cristo,” his presence soon wears thin and begins to grate. Perhaps this is one of the reasons that "Memento" did not get the recognition at the time of its release? Anyway, Pearce is adequate for the job but in no way does his performance do the material up proud.

The supporting cast, Matrix alumni Carrie-Anne Moss and Joe Pantoliano, in particular, does add a little spice to the arrangement with his characterization of the unlikable Teddy. Carrie-Anne plays a little trick on Pearce that will probably give you a chuckle. The best supporting player was Stephen Tobolowski (Breaking In) as a character from the past who may even be entirely a figment of Leonard’s imagination, or not. Nevertheless, Tobolowski is always good for adding color to a story.

The Columbia Tristar DVD is presented in 2.35:1 theatrical format, in color, with a 113 minute run time. There are three commentaries, a featurette, and some more extra content besides.

To sum it up, I think Memento is a fairly artful telling of a pedestrian story. To have cast Guy Pearce as the leading character was also a tremendous faux pas. I would give the movie five stars for inventive direction, three stars for the story, and two stars for Guy Pearce’s performance. In other words, just over 3 stars, total.

I would not recommend Memento to a viewer expecting to be entertained. It is more for the film buff who likes to analyze technique and compare it to other artsy films.

Thanks for reading!

Recommended:
No

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Better than Watching TV