I finally watched Memento after 3 years of continous recommendations and "What!! you havent seen Memento??" comments from my connoisseur friends. I had been warned that the movie is really complicated and that I need to concentrate hard to understand the plot.
So I sat with my 4+1 speakers all around me and the computer screen in my face glaring down at me, determined to understand the movie in one go (It takes 3-4 attempts, I was told).
Now before I begin the review let me boast a little. I have always believed that I am a really good critic and that I understand movie making.
Now for the review. Simply put, this is a director’s movie. It is the director which makes this movies so special. The story is pretty simple and straight forward but what makes the movie a mind boggling experience is the non linearity in the direction. The movie begins at the end and takes you to the beginning ( I know there are several other movies which do that).
The best part of the movie is that the director makes you trust the hero so much. You sympathize with the Hero (who has the "ten second tom"-50 First Dates - syndrome) see him as a victim and get attached to the character. And when you see the end of the movie (Or should I say the start) you are shocked beyond words.
I must say this is one of the most amazing movies that I have ever seen. If you want to see how a director can affect a movie - watch memento. And be warned, the movie is hard to understand.
Now, I do not say that I will watch Memento over and over again, the way I watch A few good men or T2 or Love Actually for that matter. Still, the experience Memento gives is one that is to be savoured.
Hats off to you Mr. Nolan