A Film Review of Christopher Nolan's Masterwork: 'Memento'
'We all need mirrors to remind ourselves who we are. I’m no different.'
The turn of the century brought the world boy bands, fears of Y2K, and a new age of cinema that strayed greatly from it's predecessor: 90's Film. This new era of film created openings for brilliant directors, men and women who had only dabbled in film making, and needed time to fully come into their own.
A prime example of this new age film maker is Christopher Nolan. The Westminster, UK born director released his first feature film in 1998 titled 'Following'. This is a completely black and white (noir themed) piece of work, the subject matter is easy to follow (no pun intended) but the nature of the film is uncomfortable, and the lead actor is a tremendous talent. This film is a pre cursor to all Nolan works; you can see his influence with the way he cuts up scenes to relay emotion, the realism of scenes on the street and in the flowing city, as well as a simple plot with each character's layers setting up the complexity of each conflict.
'Following' allowed Nolan to build a somewhat cult following, and through the earnings of his first film, he created his Magnum Opus: 'Memento'. It is argued that 'The Dark Knight' and the Batman series truly made Nolan whom he is today, but forgetting this masterclass of cinema would be an absolute travesty, in terms of writing and craftsmanship, this is a top 10 all time film!
'Memento' begins with a scene playing backwards, the first images you see compile a rewinding of a man being shot in the head. The whimsical slow motion of the bullet retracting from a skull back into the chamber was mind blowing. For it's time this was one of the most complex and sophisticated opening scenes of all time. It's visuals still hold up today, and that scene allows the viewer to peer into a grim side of the protagonist, in the first minute you are lacking trust and holding doubt firm.
I can not divulge in any plot points without giving key moments of the film away, this is because every scene and piece of dialogue is so carefully crafted. This is a film where every moment truly matters, it is a mystery shrouded within a mystery, the viewer wants to know the climax all the while fearing an end to an incredible ride. In regards to the plot with simplistic details...
'Memento' follows a man named Leonard Shelby who is a door to door insurance agent. The film is portrayed in both black and white and color, the black and white scenes follow a lineal timeline backwards whereas the color scenes are present day and find Leonard in real time. Leonard suffers from 'anterograde amnesia' (a real condition) which disallows him to create new memories. The amnesia was brought on by a strike to the back of his head, an attack on him and his wife in their home bathroom. When Leonard was knocked out, the assailants raped his wife in the shower, and left them both for dead. This heinous act sets up the 'Memento' universe, and it ploys Leonard to seek out and destroy he and his wife's attackers.
The depth of the unravel lings in the film are immense, I have personally seen this film over a dozen times, and I still question Leonard's frame of mind, and what actually happened throughout this film. Nolan is a master at creating metaphors: through Leonard's pain and suffering secondary characters are created to link the audience to his mind set. The black and white scenes were created to represent Leonard's exact thoughts, and his backwards progression in thinking and living. The inability to create new memories makes Leonard and the audience skeptical of anyone new in his life. Tattoos and Polaroids with key names, places and happening keep Leonard sane, it is his only way to access the past before his injury, and it is the only way to find out what really happened to his wife.
I so badly want to elaborate on what Leonard is seeking, and what actually happened to him and his wife...but in doing so I would deliver a dis service to anyone who hasn't seen this film. The denouement of the film is hard to catch, it isn't easy to decipher the truth with two stories being told at once. In watching this piece of art you are delving into the mind of an evolving mad man, the beauty and brilliance comes in present unfolding of his actions. Not only do we see the backwards frame of mind of Leonard Shelby, but we see the current world he is struggling to stay afloat in.
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If you have seen this film, or have any questions, please do not hesitate to start a conversation. This is a master piece, and one of my favorite films of all time bar none! When you finish this film the first, or maybe even third time, you realize the story is about so much more than a man with a fleeting memory.... This film has been compared to Plato's Allegory of the Cave, as the shadows on the wall are Leonard's memories and reminders, but does what he remember coincide with the reality that truly is? The turning point of this film comes with a soliloquy of sorts. As Leonard stares down the man he believes caused him all this turmoil and grief, he asks himself: 'Do I lie to myself to be happy...?'
If you do know this film, or you have finished it and come back here...just answer me one question: 'Who is Sammy Jankis'?
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I was hoping to read your thoughts on the ending. You have very high praises for the film. I don't know if there's a less spoilery way of writing it. You actually did an amazing job covering the nuances without giving up the narrative.
SPOILERS KIND OF
My impression of the ending is that it felt a little bit contrived, that his whole mission was undertaken by a whim that he had not for any true motivation, but the sake of doing it. I feel like I might have misunderstood it though.
SPOILERS END
edit: Okay nevermind. I think there was a loading error because I only saw half of your review show up.
Appreciate the sentiments brother! You are in a sense right, sometimes life isn't about why you are doing what you are doing, but that whatever it is makes you happy.
still need to see this..
An absolute must see!
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I'm a huge fan of this movie. I've seen it more times than I care to admit and still feel that I find new things every time I watch it. It's an incredible look into the human psyche and really worth studying if you're into film. Nolan does an amazing job of storytelling on this one. Loved it.
One of my all time favourite films. I agree, what a master piece, and an incredibly creative concept. I have watched it maybe a dozen times, but now I feel the need to watch it again.
Your post truly does it justice, well written and thoughtful exploration of this work of art. In a nutshell - people need to watch this film.