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8/18/2001

Memento stars Guy Pearce as Leonard Shelby, Carrie-Anne Moss as Natalie, Joe Pantoliano as Teddy, Mark Boone Junior as Burt, Stephen Tobolowsky as Sammy Jankis, Jorja Fox as Catherine Shelby, Harriet Sansom Harris as Mrs. Jankis, Callum Keith Rennie as Dodd, Larry Holden as Jimmy Grantz, Thomas Lennon as Doctor, Russ Fega as Waiter, Marianne Muellerleile as Tattooist

Memento is a wonderful breath of fresh air, in this desert of hollywood films. It is the story of a man who has no short-term memory. He remembers everything, right up to the time his brain was physically damaged. He devises ways to remember his mission, through Polaroids and notes. The film is shown in Columbo-like scenes where we see the result but do not know how we got there. The we rewind and see more of the story-line. It is a very unique way of telling this story. Unlike other editing techniques that annoy the viewer, this one keeps the viewer's attention. It is as if we are getting the plot in instalments. It works very well for this film.

Memento is also a well acted film. The characters are all excellent and portrayed by the actors with flawless precision. This independent film needs better exposure. It should be shown in main stream theaters.

Memento makes many societal statements about life and why we are who we are. It makes us question our memories and the role they play. Memento should get an Oscar for acting, picture, you name it, it has a lot to offer.