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Memento is the cinematic equivalent of a sleight-of-hand magic trick. It takes a lot of skill to pull off and is both an entertaining surprise and an interesting thing to understand more deeply. But what is a magic trick next to the true magic of cinema? The brilliance of In the Mood for Love lies beneath the surface, unlike most of Nolan's films, so it's at a disadvantage in these types of contests. But I have faith in my fellow Filmspotting listeners - I hope we're in the mood for In the Mood for Love!
I have a feeling In the Mood for Love is at a strong disadvantage as a foreign film pitted against an internet favorite like Memento, a movie that undoubtedly served as an introduction into serious film for many. Memento is narratively complex and technically solid. But ultimately its emotional and thematic depth are lacking. That's not to say that movies can't simply be entertaining, but Nolan's serious (and occasionally self-serious) tone seems to promise a level of profundity that he never delivers.
In the Mood for Love's beautiful visual storytelling, on the other hand, perfectly supports the subtle, nuanced emotions the film explores. Its substance is a match for its style. It's a work of art. If ITMFL loses, though, I'll be okay. Wong Kar Wai has already taught me how to deal with the disappointment of unfulfilled hopes and dreams.
Every. Single. Matchup. (Except one- Minority Report over Oldboy) went my way in the last round. I was so excited. But now I feel like the tide is going to turn significantly.
I really disliked In the Mood for Love. I watched it in preparation for this specific tournament. I was so excited about it. It's been in my watch list for years, and I finally got the chance to watch it (from the library- Thanks Josh!). And from moment one, I was rolling my eyes. I don't see how people love it. To me it felt extraordinarily pretentious. I know all the praise stems from an exercise in restraint. Well, maybe I'm just not mature enough as a cinephile, because I was bored to tears with said restraint. I hated the slow-motion, I hated the framing within the doorways, and I had absolutely no investment in the relationship. I know this is an unpopular opinion, and I'd truly love to be convinced otherwise, because I want so badly to love it. But I don't.
Memento on the other hand, is a masterpiece in filmmaking. And yes, I fully realize that I may be completely hypocritical, because I couldn't argue if you wanted to call Nolan pretentious in his filmmaking either (black and white, time shifting, etc.) but I felt that his visual flairs served a purpose to the overall story. It's a stellar script, the direction is precise, and the performances are riveting. I just want this so so bad to move past ITMFL. But I know it won't.
This was devastating for me. I know some people say Memento isn't the best Nolan film, it's rough around the edges or unrefined or whatever, but for me its my personal favorite. I find it to be completely riveting and infinitely rewatchable (unlike a lot of other Nolan in my opinion). It was one of the first movies I watched that really turned me into a cinephile. In the Mood for Love is an absolute masterpiece of mood, emotion, and visual beauty that had me gripped in a completely different way than Memento from start to finish. I can still picture those beautiful shots seemingly moving through walls across apartments. And that score.... it sticks with me. They are both in my top 5 favorite movies of all time but ultimately went with Memento. I'm not sure how much love for it there is but had to go with my gut.
Please, please, please let In the Mood for Love continue on to the next round! Memento is a fine, well-executed stunt movie. In the Mood for Love is a cinematic work of art.
No. No. I will not have what is probably my favorite film of all time lose to the guy who directed the Batman whiskey voice. If “In the mood...” is gone, throw me in the incinerator with it.
Kansas City, MO
There seems to be a bias against foreign films in this tournament, with several being in some of the more lopsided round 1 matchups, and even popular favorites like Oldboy going down unexpectedly (to a good but minor Spielberg film no less). I'm guessing that's due to fewer people having seen them and voting in matchups where they haven't seen both films, which is unfortunate. So what can be done? Well, to start, we can vote for one of the best and most acclaimed films of all time, In the Mood for Love. Memento offers some cool twists and a unique structure, but its impact has diminished for me on subsequent viewings. ITMFL offers more emotion, an incredible visual style, great music, and better performances. I still think Memento is Nolan's best film, but this isn't close for me.
I don't remember having watched In the Mood for Love but if it helps kicking Memento out of the tournament and getting rid of all the copies of the film I'm gladly voting for Love.
Wow, tough one. I recently saw In the Mood for Love and thought it was great. That said, I've been a Memento junkie for 20 years. Great and unique filmmaking in every aspect.
The brutality of Filmspotting Madness just hit home in an extremely personal way. Christopher Nolan and Wong Kar Wai are my favorite and second favorite directors, respectively. What do I do??? Memento isn't my number one Nolan film- that is Inception- but that said, it is still one of my all time faves. However, so is In the Mood For Love. There are other Nolan films in this bracket, but I guess we've lost Days of Being Wild and 2046, which bookend In The Mood, so there would be no consolation for its untimely demise; hey, I'm still recovering from losing Chungking Express last time.
Both movies beautifully examine many of the same themes: memories and how we process them, painful losses and how we handle them and are defined by them, and truths that we consciously lock away from ourselves. I hate, this, but I'm voting Memento. The trauma of making this decision will lead to a rare form of memory loss, and I will spend the remainder of my days seeking justice for one of Wong's many masterpieces, the unforgettable In The Mood For Love.
Memento is not the best Nolan film and it's not even the best Nolan film in this tournament (we're all gonna get to fight about Inception and Dunkirk next year, looking forward to it). In the Mood for Love is a love letter to the colorful soulful possibilities of cinema itself.
Gut punch