Do you want to know what separates Memento from most other films? I'll tell you... IT'S ALIVE! Due to its narrative style, it allows the audience to see the world through the perspective of charismatic protagonist Leonard "Lenny" Shelby (Guy Pearce), the tortured soul in search of vengeance for his beloved wife (Played by Jorja Fox). Because he suffers from short-term memory loss, he can only retain new memories for a few minutes at a time, so he gets by by tattooing mementos (more than one) to his body, giving himself helpful hints about how to find the man who broke into his house, suffocated his love, and hit his head against a mirror (causing his chronic short-term memory loss). Due to the way the film is constructed, you will find something new during each viewing, whether it's a subtle side plot, or a tiny tattoo on Shelby's body.
Teddy. Don't Believe His Lies.
Throughout the film, Leonard Shelby takes on the world one minute at a time, all the while battling himself, trying to figure out where he stands. He is the loneliest man in the world, isolated in each moment. He has friends, but he can't remember them. That's why he carries their photos around as proof of friendship... yeah, it's tough.
Natalie. Do Not Trust Her.
If you're expecting mind-numbing sex scenes and explosions, watch something else. Memento does a top notch job presenting believable mystery, romance, and suspense. It's fun, it's terrifying, and it's perfectly paced. The cinematography is masterfully done by Wally Pfister, and believe me when I say he knows how to make memorable and intriguing shots. If you like movies, watch Memento and you will understand what cinema is truly capable of. And you don't need 3D glasses to enjoy it! You remember 2D movies, right?
