Memento (2000)

Dang – this would have been perfect for my tribute to revenge movies! 

Synopsis: It’s like that backwards episode of Seinfeld... with murders and brutal violence. 

Blurb From the VHS Jacket: “How can you face the future when you can’t remember the past?” 

What Did I Learn?: 1) We all lie to ourselves to be happy. 2) If we can’t make memories, we can’t heal. 3) Facts, not memories – that’s how you heal. 4) We all need mirrors to remind ourselves who we are. 5) Memory can change the shape of a room; it can change the color of a car. And memories can be distorted. They're just an interpretation, they're not a record, and they're irrelevant if you have the facts. 6) Venereal disease is one reason for short-term memory loss. 7) There are a lot of people named John G. 

You Might Like This Movie If: You know that Anterograde Amnesia can provide hours of top-quality entertainment. (Alas, I wanted to find a link to Tom Hanks as Mr. Short Term Memory, but I couldn't find one).

 

Really?: Hmm.... I’m a bit torn on this category. Memento is cleverly-written and highly original story that’s based on a highly implausible premise. I don’t want to diss this film, but I will say this: a) if I suffered from a debilitating inability to create short-term memories, I don’t think I would embark on a dangerous and increasingly complicated vendetta, and b) I had a bit of trouble believing Leonard would instantly remember he has his condition simply by glancing at a tattoo that commands him to remember an individual who coped with a similar condition. 

Rating: Hmm... I guess I’ve already expressed my feelings about Memento in the “Really?” section. I will add that this film will keep you guessing right up until the end, and it is highly recommended. 10/10 stars. 

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0209144/?ref_=nv_sr_1