Wow, I almost fried my brain on this one! Seriously, it's intensely engaging, and if you don't pay close attention the entire time, you will be as lost as the protagonist, Leonard (Guy Pearce), a man who suffers from short-term memory loss. The movie is so confusing because it works backwards in segments and has flashbacks as well. Here's what I've figured out: one night, Leonard's wife was raped and killed by a man named John G., and when Leonard tried to defend her, he was knocked out and lost his ability to make new memories. This is a great handicap, because every time he talks to someone, he has no idea if he's met them before; it's like meeting new people every time. In order to keep his thoughts organized, he keeps photographs with writing on them and holds the useful ones in his pockets (he swaps them for more when he gets home). With all these notes, he has created what he calls a system that works better than memories, which he feels can be distorted, changed, biased, and lost over time. He also has tattoos about the most important things to him, which mostly revolve around John G. and the rape/death of his wife. Revenge is the only thing he lives for, the only thing he knows. Throughout the movie, Leonard is taken advantage of by people he thought were his friends. After being led in circles, Leonard comes to understand that no one helps without their reasons. Who can he trust? Who can't he trust? Can he even trust himself? At the end of this movie you will find yourself thinking, 'That was awesome; what just happened?' I still don't know exactly how all the events are connected. Believe me, the truth is never clear, you're always going in circles. The cast did an amazing job, there was no lack in talent. I especially liked the performances by Joe Pantoliano and Carrie-Anne Moss, who played two of Leonard's closest advisors throughout the few days this movie takes place during. There's swearing, violence, and some sexuality, so keep kids away from this. I'm not sure if this is worth buying, although I can promise quality.
