Memento

UK Release: 20th October 2000

Watched on DVD: Tuesday 3rd May 2011

Rating: 15

Runtime: 1hr 53mins

Tagline: Some memories are best forgotten.

IMDb Plot Summary: A memory inside a memory, Memento is a complicated head spinning adventure. Leonard is determined to avenge his wife's murder. However, unable to remember anything that happens day-to-day due to a condition he sustained, short term memory loss, he has to write himself note after note that still don't mean anything after he falls asleep. The film goes back in time to reveal each little bit of the puzzle as he tries to find out the person who killed his wife and makes the audience feel just as confused as he is. The narrative closely follows a phone call Pearce has in which he talks about Sammy Jankis a former client of his who he believed had the same condition. The film takes an unexpected twist as the two characters have a lot more in common than is initially put across.

My Review: This film is incredibly complex and hard to review without spoiling it too much, so this will be short. 

It is by far one of the most fascinating and clever films I’ve ever seen - on a similar scale to Inception. 

The concept is such a unique and brilliant idea and Christopher Nolan, the director (who also directed Inception, among other things), slowly unravels the film to reveal the true nature of Leonard’s investigation, ending with a shock revelation that leaves you thinking long after the closing credits. 

The whole ‘experience’ of watching the film was different to what I initially expected. The idea of showing the story ‘backwards’ was difficult to comprehend, but it completely works as it means we only find out what has happened as Leonard himself does. 

This is a stand-out film which you should - without a doubt - put on your ‘must-see’ list!

Score: 8.5/10