Memento (2000)

Former insurance investigator Leonard (Guy Pearce) suffers from short-term loss after losing his wife during a brutal rape and murder. He supplements his memory loss with Polaroid pictures, tattoos and notes in hopes that he will find his wife's murderer-- the last thing he remembers.

Memento brings a whole new angle to the thriller genre. Through a series of flashbacks, that flashback further each time and through the narration of Leonard, the viewer is led through a maze of clues and characters. Writer/director Christopher Nolan (The Prestige, Batman Begins) weaves an unusual murder mystery, that much like Fight Club (1999), is a huge and successful mind f^ck.

Guy Pearce plays the enigmatic Leonard beautifully. Pearce conveys an interesting complexity, but viewer empathy is overwhelming. Supporting him are Carrie-Ann Moss and Joe Pantoliano in equally weird and mysterious roles.

Memento's success lies in it's unorthodox editing, Nolan's ability to create a gripping story and manipulate viewer sentiment. Director Nolan unfolds the story in a fresh, innovative manner that is frustrating, exhausting and addictive. The tight screenplay is engaging; the use of color and B&W to tell chronological and reverse chronological events is fascinating. Memento is a memorable spin on the genre. Nothing beats the 'ah-ha' moment here.