Review of Memento (2000) by Doomcritic — 06 Apr 2018

A character study of the most socially well-adjusted subject, with both short-term and long-term memory loss.

The stylistic choice of editing the film in reverse, to help the audience relate and understand the character of Leonard (as well as his condition), is a stroke of genius for director Christopher Nolan and film editor Dody Dorn. It is a rarity to find a film that makes an effort to convey how a character perceives the world around them.

Obviously, there is a lot more detail to pick up on with multiple viewings of this film, and it is quite sound in the psychology department - as far as how damage to the hippocampus affects memory at least. Which adds to the effect of having the film's events play out in way that feels all too real.

The acting is also quite the accomplishment, there is not a single weak performance from anyone in the film. There really isn’t much more I can add to the discussion about how good Guy Pearce’s performance was. He really does embody someone obsessed with the notion of how justice needs only a person's own perceived facts, no discussion or critic necessary. In many ways this film parables the folly of Egocentrism; in that how many people are unable to fit new information into their own personal perception of the world.

If you are looking for a film tells an interesting story both contextually and narratively, then I would highly recommend Memento.