Summary - Perfect 5.0

Arguably one of the most creative and original independent films of our time. A testamant to what brilliant directing and editing can accomplish in the mind of the viewer. By sequencing the chronilogical events of the film in reverse order in short (less than five minute) segments, the viewer is forced to experience them in the same manner as the protagonist Leonard Shelby (Guy Pearce), with no idea what has just happened.

Acting - Perfect 5.0

Pearce is phenominal as Shelby, a man who, after being injured by a man who had broken into his home and raped his wife, can no longer make new memories. Yet despite his permanant state of confusion, Shelby is determined to avenge his wife, and through a system of photographs, notes (some temporary, some permanent), he attempts to put the pieces of the puzzle together. Matrix co-stars Carrie-Anne Moss and Joe Patoliano are reunited, though never on screen at the same time, as two cryptic individuals who are either helping or using Shelby for their own purposes. Enough cannot be said about the quality performances by all three of the main cast members, who bring this truly unique story to life.

Film - Perfect 5.0

Edge - Sordid 2.7

There is implied intimacy between characters, but nothing is even shown on screen, the most taudry moment in the entire film is a brief flashback to a view of Shelby's wife (Jorja Fox) sitting on the bed in her underwear. However, there are several scenes with a good deal of blood, including the film's openning sequence of a man being shot in the head. Mild language is used throughout the film

Reality - Glib 1.3

Despite the unique story, the film is very convincing and Shelby’s condition is a real disability.

5 Comments

• Wick Sep 12, 2010 11:18AM

  Regarding moviedude’s Review
  Agreed Dude. Your review prompted me to reread mine, where I noticed that I’d dubbed Memento a modern day Citizen Kane. As it happens, I also made the same claim about Inception, for which I took some heat from a buddy on facebook.

  I don’t recall making the Citizen Kane comparison about any other director’s movies, just Christopher Nolan’s. The guy’s a genius, that’s for sure.

• MJ5K Apr 21, 2010 10:00PM

  Interestingly enough, ever time I watch Memento it gets better each time. I guess thats why I boosted it up to a Perfect 5. Heck, I think it might just be my new favorite movie.

• MJ5K Feb 17, 2010 8:12PM

  Regarding izzio’s Review
  Great review, izzio.

  I’m glad to see me and Wick aren’t the only people who think Guy Pearce is an underrated and underused actor.

• MJ5K Feb 7, 2010 1:53PM

  Thanks, Wick. I honestly didn’t mind Moss in this film, I’ve just never showed an interest in her work or acting abilities. However, I think she was pretty good in this movie.

• Wick Feb 7, 2010 12:27AM

  Regarding MetalJunky5000’s Review
  Solid review MJ. Happy to see we gave it virtually the same marks.

  My only point of disagreement is Carrie-Anne Moss, who I thought was significantly less than great. Of course, I’ve never liked her, so I may be a biased judge.

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