Extra Scoop
'Memento' memorable, convoluted at same time

By Jordan Riefe
Special to The Advertiser

Guy Pearce stars as a man who, despite suffering short-term memory loss, tries to find his wife's killer in the film "Memento." The drama is based on a short story written by the director's brother. Associated Press

Psychological thriller in which a widower with short-term memory loss tracks down his wife's killer.

Winner of the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award at this year's Sundance Film Festival, "Memento" is a memorable film, but not the cause for celebration that some critics would have you believe. Its reverse-narrative line (ending to beginning) is unique, but is less revolutionary than it is gimmicky. An intelligent study on the subjective nature of perception, the film is unnecessarily convoluted and tends to drag in the middle.

"We tried to make the audience question their own process of memory a little bit," director Christopher Nolan says in a 23-minute interview with New York Times critic Elvis Mitchell. Produced as part of Independent Film Channel's Focus series, the interview takes us through the history of the project, from his brother Jonathan's short story, "Memento Mori" (provided in text form), on which the film is based, to issues confronting the production while filming.

A photo gallery of tattoos is pointless, as is a section titled "Otnemem," a maze of articles and Polaroids relating to the film. Trailers, cast/crew bios and TV spots round out the package, but no director's commentary.

"The Princess Bride" (MGM) 1987
PG
98 minutes
Cary Elwes, Robin Wright Penn, Mandy Patinkin, Chris Sarandon

Fairy tale in which a princess is forced to marry an evil king while her true love vows to win her back.

"It's a classical love story of true love conquering everything," says director Rob Reiner. "It's told in the classic tradition of fairy-tale storytelling, but at the same time it makes fun of all of that." It's been described as witty and satirical, but it's neither. Instead, it's a harmless diversion based on a well-structured screenplay crafted by a competent director. I would say it's strictly for the kiddies, but so many adults have embraced this that you have to wonder.

"As You Wish" is an informative featurette including clips and interview bites with cast members, director Rob Reiner and writer William Goldman. It includes a record of the film from genesis to completion, replete with anecdotes and lavish praise of co-workers.

A video diary made on the set of the film by actor Cary Elwes has a spontaneous, home-movie feel to it and includes oddball facts such as Andre the Giant was driven to school as a kid by his next-door neighbor, playwright Samuel Beckett. Two commentary tracks, one from Rob Reiner, the other from a reticent William Goldman, are informative though sometimes tedious, each reflecting their affection for the film.

"The French Lieutenant's Woman" (MGM) 1981
R
124 minutes
Meryl Streep, Jeremy Irons, Leo McKern, Hilton McRea, Emily Morgan

An adaptation of the best-selling novel by John Fowles in which life imitates art as actors play Victorian lovers.

Nominated for five Academy Awards, this picture was a critical and audience favorite back in 1981. Starring Meryl Streep and Jeremy Irons, both at the height of their popularity, as contemporary lovers portraying Victorian lovers in a doomed relationship, this picture is a literate and imaginative character study. Adapted by Tom Stoppard, one of England's finest living playwrights, the result is a moving and thoughtful study of contemporary and Victorian attitudes toward love.

The good news is a gem of a picture has made it to DVD, the bad news is that it's the film alone, no extras, no commentary, just the trailer and language options.

"Salesman" (Maysles Films Inc.) 1968
Not rated
91 minutes

Landmark documentary on door-to-door bible salesmen in suburbia.

"The bestseller in the world is the Bible for one reason," says Bible salesman Jim "The Rabbit" Baker. "It's the greatest piece of literature of all time." Before David and Albert Maysles arrived on the scene, documentary filmmaking focused on finding the most direct and subjective viewpoint on the subject at hand. The Maysles Brothers were their own two-man crew, small and incidental to the action, their presence impacting the subject as little as possible.

In their first film, "Salesman," the brothers turn their cameras on the bygone era of the door-to-door salesman. We follow these sad-sack Willy Lomans as they trek in and out of strangers' living rooms desperately pitching the good book. Released through the Criterion Collection, the disc includes a 10-minute audio interview with "The Rabbit" produced last year for National Public Radio's "Weekend Edition." The retired salesman discusses his history selling Bibles and his methods of getting himself in the door and closing the sale.

Also included is a 30-minute interview from 1968 with the filmmakers. Commentary from Albert Maysles and editor Charlotte Zwerin focuses on production and post-production as well as details about the salesmen themselves. Maysles does most of the talking; a fine commentary to an excellent film. Rounding out the disc are a photo album, theatrical trailer and filmographies.

Jordan Riefe is a Los Angeles-based writer who is the West Coast radio correspondent for Variety magazine.