Memento (2000) Dir: Christopher Nolan
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It is no secret that I am a huge fan of director Christopher Nolan. Over the last 2 or so decades, he has created some of the very best films out there. And much of his acclaim can find its origins in the success of this, his second feature film. Even back then, Nolan's love of time-dialated storytelling was clear to see.
Furthermore, much of the style that many associate with Nolan is already coming to the fore, be it through his complex and non-sequential narratives, his choice of camera shots and even his dialogue. Speaking of which, said dialogue was excellent, even earning Nolan, the writer of the screenplay, an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay.
Visually, there is a nice contrast between colour and black and white scenes, which also helps the audience to piece together a relatively complicated plot. The narrative has a number of twists and turns, as each scene unveils a new key piece of information for the audience, finishing with a very well revealed ending that works perfectly for the story.
Guy Pearce stars, with a performance that felt very akin to that of Brad Pitt's in one of my all-time favourite films; 'Se7en'. In short, Pearce was very good. His broody acting, mixed with his well-delivered narration, makes for a hugely intriguing protagonist.
Joe Pantoliano is one of the key supporting cast, and delivers a really strong performance, the best of the little I've seen from him. The only other film I know him from is 'The Matrix'.
Speaking of actors who featured in that film, Carrie-Anne Moss also has a substantial role here, and provides a truly excellent performance, showing excellent range and variety in emotional acting - particularly in the second half of the film.
Stephen Tobolowsky has less to do than those mentioned above, but he absolutely nails the scenes he has, and sells his part of the story truly superbly. Finally, I'll mention Harriet Sansom Harris, Jorja Fox and Mark Boone, each of whom did well with their minor roles.
Overall, this was an excellent mystery crime film, which draws you in superbly, and leaves you shocked by it's climax and marvelling and the story's immaculate execution.
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