25 years later Guy Pearce sees his performance in Christopher Nolan’s Memento as bad

One of Christopher Nolan's most iconic movies, Memento saw Guy Pearce in a leading role that won him considerable praise and acclaim from fans and critics. Released in 2000, the film was noted for its depiction of Pearce's character as he avenges the murder of his wife while also battling a loss of memory.

Although hailed as one of Pearce's best films to date, the actor has now made a statement by giving his own review of himself in the film, as he talked about how he realizes in hindsight how much he dislikes his performance. Speaking to The Sunday Times, Pearce said,

“I watched Memento the other day and I’m still depressed. I’m shit in that movie. I did this Q&A of Memento earlier this month and decided to actually watch the film again. But while it was playing I realized I hate what I did.”

He also joked about how his bad performance was the reason why Christopher Nolan didn't work with him again. The actor added,

“So all this stuff about an exec at Warners being why I’ve not worked with Chris again? It came crashing down. I know why I didn’t work with Chris again — it’s because I’m no good in Memento.”

He also goes on to say,

“Look, I’m pleased with L.A. Confidential, but I look at this and go, ‘Oof! Nails on a chalkboard!’ If I reckon my performance in Neighbours is two out of ten, Memento is a five.”

What was Memento about?

Guy Pearce portrays the character of Leonard Shelby, an insurance investigator who suffers from anterograde amnesia and is on the lookout for his wife's killer and ra*ist. There are two murderers (or so he thinks), one of which he has already killed.

He believes the second one escapes but the police refuse to believe him that a second murderer exists. As his brain cannot store short-term information, Shelby uses polaroids, tattoos, and notes to remember information that he fears he will forget.

However, the name and memory of his wife's killer are ingrained in his brain and are the last thing he remembers before an attack that left him with the condition. The film revolves around him dealing with his own condition while also dedicating himself to avenging his wife's death.

Memento uses a complex set of timelines to keep the audience guessing the plot until the very last minute. Parts of the film are colored while the other half is a black-and-white sequence. This helps the audience distinguish between the present and Leonard's memories and adds to the complexity of the plot.

Christopher Nolan's film unearths and keeps the audience constantly guessing. Pearce also is engaging, despite his own review of the performance being abysmal. The film stands out as one of Nolan's best works and is a cult classic for fans of thrillers.

Memento is available to watch on Prime Video.