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!
This film is truly a jigsaw puzzle, it's a wild ride that is like no other, as you say, a true maker of New Hollywood. His chicken-scratch tattoos are less artistic than they are psychotic, but that's what makes him...charming? Great post, thanks!
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