Reel Review #10: In our first Cinephile Series podcast we examine Memento. This is one of those films that seems to stick with people, leaving them with more questions than answers. How does someone whose memory is comprised of Polaroids and tattoos survive? What is the meaning of memory? The biggest question - what the heck is going on in this film? Memento is a classic puzzle film meshed with a Neo Noir sensibility. Remember, the Cinephile Series assumes you have already seen the film. You have been warned.
Direct download of the podcast: Memento (28min 12.9MB)
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The feedback for the length of this Memento podcast is that it is just right. In fact, I found it entertaining and provoking while listening to it on my way to work. Although I bought the DVD this year, I’ve not watched Memento since the last time it was shown at theatres. After listening to your podcast, I’ll definately watch it again to examine the subtle visual and tattoo message.
I listen to tons of podcasts, and ReelReviews is by far one of my favorites. the first in the Cinephiles series was good — good length (about double normal reel reviews length) and you are a lot of fun to listen to. I’m a movie fanatic like you and like your program very much. thanks for keeping the standards of podcasting high, and turning out a consistently good
quality show.
Cordially,
Dave
Great format. I really enjoyed it. Not too long. Great detail. I vote for “Mulholland Drive” for the next one. - Steve
Really enjoyed this. Suggestions for future Cinephiles: “Jacob’s Ladder”, “Dark City”, “The Graduate”, “Excalibur”
Thanks to everyone for the great feedback. I really enjoyed doing the 1st Cinephile Series. Please keep those suggestions coming.
Michael,
Fantastic job on the first cinephile series. I’m looking forwad to the next one. I learned much about memento, and enjoyed it immensely. I felt the length was fine. If you were jabbering on about nothing, it would have felt too long, but given the content, i felt the length well-suited.
Thanks for your work!
brian
Great podcast. Now I’ve gotta go rent Memento and watch it again. It’s been awhile since I’ve seen it.
Great job on the cinephile series. I find that “puzzle” style movies always generate the most comments and discussion. I found the length to be perfect to listen to on a walk. You’ve inspired me to start thinking seriously about podcasting movie reviews for family movies.
My suggestions for future cinephile movies are Mulholland Drive, The Usual Suspects, and my first puzzle movie “The Sting”.
You made me think even deeper about Memento. Originally I thought it was the “true” recollections of Lenny, but that Teddy was telling the truth about Lenny killing his wife with the insulin OD. Now, I’m not so sure that it wasn’t a flexible reality of Lenny’s. I’ll have to watch it again in chrono order. I’ve never seen it that way.
Metz, try it in chronological order, I think you’ll enjoy it It is a whole different film. The puzzle vanishes and you are left with a great opprtunity to examine and decide what you think is going on. As I said in my review, I had always liked the film but it had never resonated with me the way some other films have. Examining it as intensly as I did before my review gave me a whole new appreciation for the film. I had a great time doing it.
I loved the new format. The pacing is good, the content is great, and the length is about right. I’d actually like to say, let it run longer if you want to, it makes for riveting listening. About the only thing i’d request is possibly excerpting bits of the film’s audio to give the ambience, which in theory you should be able to do under fair use. I’d hope, anyways.