Memento (2000) REVIEW

 

Memento (2000)

Dir. Christopher Nolan

Starr. Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano, Mark Boone Junior

Christopher Nolan’s Memento had me second-guessing everything I thought I knew like no other film. Like many of Nolan’s films, it did not follow a linear course and takes a fascinating scientific phenomenon turned cinematic. It was Lenny’s (Guy Pearce) short-term memory loss in this case. From Lenny’s anti-hero character to implementing cinematic methods to depict flashbacks, “The New Hollywood” truly shines in Memento. Even though the main character is committing crimes and pursuing violence, the audience can’t help but root for him. When you discover his story, all you want is for him to successfully catch the guy who raped and killed his wife. Personally, I got excited for him when he got information from Natalie to find “John G”, the killer of his wife. It is also worth noting how time is depicted in this film. Within the first 30 minutes of the film, I was confused as scenes we’d already seen would replay. I soon realized that it is starting at a point, ending, and then restarting but from further back. This gives the viewer context after watching a scene with no context. My favorite implementation of this was when Natalie and Lenny were fighting and Natalie used Lenny’s memory loss to her advantage. However, the viewers don’t know that Natalie is doing this until the rewind. The last 10 minutes of the film, though only 8% of it, was the most mind-blowing part of the film. Those 10 minutes were what made this film peak New Hollywood. (SPOILER ALERT) Nolan’s implementation of a twist that reveals that Lenny has purposefully been putting himself on a chase for John G. makes the viewer rethink the 110 minutes they’ve watched. It’s so mind-boggling, that it makes me want to rewatch the entire film with a new perspective.

Memento (2000) was a head-scratcher of a film in the best possible way. I would recommend this film to anyone who enjoys a good psychological thriller with a new take on Hollywood ideals. If watched, I guarantee you’ll need a second viewing! 

American Graffiti (1973) REVIEW

American Graffiti (1973)

Dir. George Lucas

Starr. Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, Paul Le Mat, Cindy Williams, Harrison Ford

American Graffiti is the quintessential 60s young rebellious/angsty teen film. With John Milner’s character, he’s portrayed as the town’s bad boy who’s always running in with the law. There’s a scene where the police stop him for his car light and threatens him by saying that he can’t wait to catch John in the act so that he can arrest himself on the spot. However, past that tough exterior there’s a caring guy who’s not as bad as the people think. He takes care of Carla, a young girl, when he didn’t have to and certainly did not want to. 

The film also presents a popular 60s sentiment among the young generation which encompasses the idea of taking control of their own life. Before, teens were expected to graduate high school, go to college, and get a job. Curt strays away from this expectation as he doesn’t want to go straight to college like Steve. It causes a lot of internal conflict throughout the film and probably resonated with a lot of young viewers at the time. 

Another interesting aspect about the film was the music. The rock tunes played throughout the film demonstrate the setting in which it takes place: a 60s summer in a small town. The film opens with “We’re Gonna Rock Around the Clock” by Billy Haley and His Comets which was the first rock song to be featured in film. At that time, rock n’ roll was taking a rise, and it was a symbol of rebellion and individuality. This especially scared parents that their kids were going to break away from the mold that they’ve always followed. 

American Graffiti (1973) is an enjoyable, summertime film with deeper meaning beyond the lines. I definitely recommend giving this one a watch!