Twisted Time Tells a Tantalizing Tale

Read Time:4 Minute, 22 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Memento
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Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Year Released: 2000, 2023 101 Films Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 53m
Director(s): Christopher Nolan
Writer(s): Christopher Nolan, Jonathan Nolan
Cast: Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano, Mark Boone Junior
Where To Watch: releases October 16, 2023; pre-order here now www.101-films-store.com, or www.amazon.co.uk

RAVING REVIEW: The cinematic playground of MEMENTO escorts the audience into the realm of Leonard Shelby, portrayed by Guy Pearce. Christopher Nolan, the craftsman behind the lens, presents a narrative to navigated. Leonard is a protagonist who symbolizes the unyielding human spirit grappling with the ghost of a haunting past. His narrative isn’t a straightforward journey; it’s a complex puzzle he and the viewers are urged to solve, stepping into a world where the line between reality and memory blurs.

In Leonard’s reality, the past is just a fleeting visitor, only for fifteen minutes, thrusting him into a ceaseless endeavor to uncover the truth. A tragedy propels him to an endless mission to unveil the shadowy facts surrounding that grim event. His combat against oblivion finds an ally in Polaroid photographs and skin markings, serving as his ledger in a mind that fails to retain the past.

As Leonard dives deeper into the abyss of the unknown, characters like Teddy (Joe Pantoliano) and Natalie (Carrie-Anne Moss) emerge from obscurity; their part in Leonard’s chase, though shrouded in mystery, adds to the elaborate scheme Nolan orchestrates. The suspense isn’t just an aspect of the narrative; it’s an entity that breathes within every interaction, every revelation onscreen.

Nolan’s canvas in MEMENTO doesn’t just tell a tale; it meticulously crafts a living, evolving entity akin to the storm raging in Leonard’s mind. The story is an elaborate dance, a ballet of cognitive engagement rather than passive cinematic consumption. This audacious narrative style propels MEMENTO far beyond the confines of a typical thriller into a realm where storytelling meets artistry.

The thematic quest of MEMENTO is a plunge into the depths of self-identity, the essence of memory, and the relentless pursuit of truth. Leonard’s journey symbolizes an eternal human endeavor of reconciling with the past, making MEMENTO more than a narrative but a profound exploration of human consciousness.

However, the brilliance of MEMENTO may also pose a challenge. The non-linear narrative, while engaging, could present a steep curve for those craving a more linear tale. Just a fair warning: if you’re looking for a story that tells you everything you want to know, this isn’t the story for you.

MEMENTO's allure amplifies upon a second watch, revealing layers of intricacies possibly missed at the first encounter. The noir atmosphere, highlighted by thoughtful color grading, isn’t just a stylistic choice; it's a narrative device marking the temporal transitions and the emotional turmoil Leonard navigates.

MEMENTO challenges engages, and resonates, continuing to imprint on cinematic storytelling's broader canvas. The expedition into memory and identity isn’t just a narrative choice; it’s a profound examination paired with emotional earnestness that foretells the essence of Nolan’s storytelling finesse, affirming the onset of a narrative legacy that continues to defy the ordinary.

Special Features:

Limited Edition contents:
– SteelBook®
– Rigid box packaging
– Booklet one: Remembrance of things past: time and memory in Christopher Nolan’s Memento by James Mottram
– Booklet two: Jonathan Nolan’s Memento Mori short story
– Replica Polaroid art cards, printed notes, and Ferdy’s beer mat enclosed in Leonard’s folder
– Bonus second disc featuring the chronological edit (SD)

Brand new special features:
– Remember – Actor Carrie-Anne Moss on Memento
– Keepsake – Director Christopher Nolan on Memento
– Memento Mori – Writer Jonathan Nolan on Memento
– Memories – Producer Emma Thomas on Memento
– A Leap into the Unknown – Producer Aaron Ryder on Memento
– Musical Memories – Composer David Julyan on Memento
– Commentary with film critics James Mottram and Sean Hogan

Archive extras:
– Memento chronological cut
– Remembering Memento
– Anatomy of a Scene
– IFC Interview with Christopher Nolan
– Director’s commentary

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[photo courtesy of 101 FILMS]

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