In “Memento,” Leonard Shelby (Guy Pearce) suffers from short-term memory loss due to an incident where he sustained a head injury while trying to stop the rape and murder of his wife. Leonard is determined to find her killer and seeks vengeance. However, due to his condition, he struggles to retain new memories for more than a few minutes.
To compensate, Leonard relies on a system of notes, Polaroid photos, and tattoos on his body to keep track of information and progress in his investigation. He believes that his wife’s killer is a man named John G, whom he has been hunting for some time.
Throughout the film, Leonard’s search is complicated by the presence of several characters, including Natalie (Carrie-Anne Moss), who claims to be helping him, and Teddy (Joe Pantoliano), a supposed friend who provides him with information. However, Leonard’s inability to form new memories leaves him vulnerable to manipulation and deception.
As Leonard delves deeper into his investigation, he begins to question the reliability of his own memories and the motivations of those around him. He uncovers shocking truths about himself and his past, leading to a series of startling revelations.
In the film’s climax, Leonard confronts Teddy, believing him to be the elusive John G. However, Teddy reveals that Leonard himself is responsible for killing his wife’s murderer, and that he has been manipulating Leonard for his own purposes.
In a moment of clarity, Leonard realizes the truth but decides to kill Teddy anyway, viewing him as the final piece of his vendetta. The film ends with Leonard’s memory resetting, leaving him trapped in a perpetual cycle of confusion and revenge.
“Memento” is a complex and gripping thriller that challenges the audience to piece together the fragmented narrative alongside its protagonist. With its innovative storytelling, nonlinear structure, and thought-provoking themes, the film remains a landmark in cinema and a testament to Christopher Nolan’s skill as a filmmaker.