"By now it may be fairly assumed that most of the film-going public – even those who have not seen the film – are familiar with the Leonard Shelby’s unique impairment. Shelby’s disorder enables the film to be told backwards.
--Rumsey
Memento
Directors: Christopher Nolan
Producers: Aaron Ryder Suzanne Todd Jennifer Todd
Writers: Christopher Nolan and Jonathan Nolan
Features: *Director's Commentary *DTS English 5.1 Surround *Anatomy of a Scene *Director's Shooting Script *Theatrical Trailers *Original Short Story *International Campaigns *Production Stills and Sketches *Hidden Features and much more. . .
Characters:
Leonard Shelby - Guy Pierce
Natalie - Carrie-Anne Moss
Lenny - Joe Pantoliano
Genre: Suspense/Thriller
Review:
Seldom does a film's opening scene encompass its entire, thematic drive in a mere five minutes. In "Memento," a Polaroid of a corpse magically fades to white, and a man places it in front of a camera - it is swallowed back into the device.
This sequence is understood to anyone who has seen "Memento" - the most recent addition to the library of cult films. The action keenly demonstrates Christopher Nolan's clever concept: the film is shown in reverse.
By now it may be fairly assumed that most of the film-going public - even those who have not seen the film - are familiar with the Leonard Shelby's unique impairment. Shelby's disorder enables the film to be told backwards, closely aligning the viewer with the character and his plight. When Leonard wakes up in an anonymous hotel room, whose history is told only in numerous tattoos and Polaroids, we are as confused as he is.
In repeated viewings the film's gimmick, in anticipation, is less overwhelming. In a worse film the reverse-continuity technique may allot it temporary interest, though, fortunately, "Memento's" story is a parallel hallmark, and is perfectly suited to the manner in which it is told.
"Memento" received a less-than-stellar DVD release last September. The disc boasted typical features, sans commentary, the only estimable feature being a fine transfer. With the reissue, spanning two discs, fans may now hold the definitive version.
Though this version of "Memento" is an obvious improvement over its preexisting version, this DVD singularly is a benchmark of innovation. And like any stellar DVD release, it enables the most sought after quality of the format: it resurrects interest in an otherwise forgettable film.
The packaging resembles a smallish portfolio, containing information towards admittance of Leonard Shelby into a psychiatric ward (those dumbfounded by this unconventional packaging will lose further patience once the disc is played). The menus play like a series of tests measuring logical and memory abilities.
The first disc ensues with a quick barrage of words, and arrives at a screen listing nearly forty words divided among four columns. The user may highlight certain words; some direct towards audio features, others are dead-ends. The second disc is vastly more complicated, and yields great rewards for those patient enough to seek them.
The transfer is sharp, and the DTS soundtrack (a new option) is clear. Director Christopher Nolan's commentary is merely functional; he reveals no impressive insights, and is often boringly technical. Aside from standard features, the platter includes the short story on which the film is based. Although this is also included on the original version, I found this to be highly complimentary to the film as it makes apparent details that may be too subtle in the film.
Lastly the disc includes what may be the ultimate easter egg: the chronological version of the film. Watching it one's appreciation for Nolan's technique may heighten. However, it is a far less rewarding experience: the trick explained, the film is far less suspenseful (to say the least) once the man behind the curtain is seen.
Arguably, "Memento" suffers from its technique and trick-ending. It's cinematic bubblegum. Once the proverbial killer is revealed (or at least his identity), appreciation for "Memento" may diminish, as is the case with any film see-sawing upon a secret. What allows the film lasting interest is how it functions to question the nature and fallibility of memory. Obscured amidst it's temporary, shrinkwrapped appeal are moments where the film achieves philosophic depth.
This DVD places "Memento" firmly into its intended context - this is an achievement given to far too few releases. "Memento" may be critiqued for being a one-trick pony, though this DVD is a testament of its lasting contribution to cinematic technique.
The Limited Edition of "Memento" is one of the best DVD releases this year thus far.
---Rumsey Taylor
http://www.notcoming.com