Part of Memento’s charm lies in its ambiguity. Leonard Shelby is an unreliable protagonist and the supporting characters ultimately prove themselves to be untrustworthy. It seemed the deeper I dug in, the more I ran into dead ends. And I guess that’s when it clicked: The fractured narrative is no gimmick because it fits the content and theme. As an audience member, I found myself just as confused and disoriented as the protagonist. This is a film that cinema buffs, unlike Mr. Shelby, will remember for a long time. [Read more…]
Memento
Screenplay by Christopher Nolan
Based on the short story, Memento Mori, by Jonathan Nolan
Directed by Christopher Nolan
Running Time: 110 minutes
Year: 2001
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For a thorough analysis of Memento, including two detailed story maps (both narrative and chronological) please support this site by purchasing my book, co-authored with Dan Calvisi of Act Four Screenplays, Story Maps: The Films of Christopher Nolan. Click here to download a FREE SAMPLE (PDF).