Memento is a film for thinkers. They’re in for a rare treat.

Leonard remembers seeing his wife raped and murdered and is hunting the killer. He can remember his life before the attack but he’s lost his short term memory. Anything he’s told he can’t remember for more than a minute or so. How can he cope?

Leonard keeps notes and takes Polaroid photographs of the people (suspects) he meets. He stays organized. He keeps particular photos in particular pockets. Puts them up on a chart on his wall.

He’s got plenty of money it seems and drives a flash car but can’t remember where it came from. He takes phone calls. He’s relentless but struggling.

Film maker Christopher Nolan (Following) has pieced Leonard’s life together piecemeal, just as Leonard is doing. The sequence of events is staggeringly non sequential as are Leonard’s memories. The focus of the film is firmly on what is going on inside Leonard’s head.

When we close our eyes, does the world still exist? We are constantly regarding Leonard’s thoughts as he struggles to make sense of what he confronts. Older people are more likely to find the film unsettling – because they’re not so certain that things are what they seem. Often older people have a pretty firm grasp of their own impermanence – just like Leonard.

Australian Guy Pierce (Strictly Confidential) as Leonard gives an absolutely stunning performance. This man is almost matter of fact when he feels that he’s getting somewhere, and desperately strident when things are getting out of control.

When there’s a superb script and schedule everyone is terrific. Carrie-Anne Moss (Chocolat, Red Planet) is equally terrific as is Joe Pantoliano as the other man.

Memento will seduce and then unsettle you if you give it a chance. I you can remember to.

5 Big, Big Flys