Is the Movie Memento Ruined for Me (Spoiler Alert?)

[MadBadger]

Memento has been on my list for awhile of movies I want to see. But if there is one thing I have heard about it, is that its the movie that goes backwards. Has the movie been ruined for me?

[independentpiney]

1. Not at all

I think if you're aware of that from the beginning it's alot easier to follow.

[Chan790]

2. No.

Only the narrative moves backwards, the plot moves in the other direction...if that makes any sense. That is, the action happens in reverse, things are revealed as the movie progresses. Also, it's kind of obvious that the film is occurring backwards for the most part when the guy who is dead in the first scene is alive in the second and the third scene clearly precedes the second.

Rent it, don't buy it. It's a great film but it has only a few re-watch value. The second time, you'll catch things you missed the first time and the third time through you'll see/understand yet more. After the fourth viewing, you'll never watch it again.

[phasma ex machina]

5. "Momento" also borrows from "Hamlet" by delivering a Black and White "play within a play."

Backwardation seems to confuse linear people to the point of disgust.

[Orrex]

3. I totally expected to hate it on the grounds that it seemed like a lame gimmick

I was 100% wrong. The film is compelling and sad and exciting and engaging and dynamic. Guy Pearce is excellent in the role IMO. Incidentally, Carrie Anne Moss give a remarkable performance, as well; far superior to her conventional and pedestrian role in the Matrix trilogy.

Knowing that the film goes backwards does not spoil it for you. IIRC this fact was actually revealed in previews or in early reviews.


On the other hand, knowing beforehand that Russell Crowe is the murderer might spoil it for you, but I leave that to you to decide.

Enjoy!

[Lindsey]

4. No. It's a great movie. Watch it. n/t

[Orrex]

6. Well, that was kind of my point.

Did you read my post? :shrug:

[msanthrope]

7. You shouldn't have told him about the Russell Crowe spoiler. n/t

[Orrex]

8. I know, but it's too late for me to do an edit. Whoopsie!

[triguy46]

9. Nope. Even a description of the context won't ruin it, because it is integral:

A guy with no short term memory.

[MadBadger]

10. Watched it Tonight. Easily cracked my Top Ten of All time

[Forkboy]

11. A total mindfuck, wasn't it?

:)

[MadBadger]

13. A Mindfuck in a positive way, not a confusing way. I love these movies that make you think.

After I watched Inception last week, Ive been looking for other movies that require the viewer to do some thinking. Memento was on that list, so was The Matrix.

[peekaloo]

12. Find a special edition DVD.

On the second disc there's lots of little interactive psych exams. Follow the alarm clock (iirc) to the tire changing test and reverse the order of changing the tire and the movie plays backwards or is it forward? Anyway it plays the movie in chronological order (reverse sequence). :-)