If you were interested in movies back in the year 2000 and you didn’t have some kind of brain-destroying amnesiac condition, you remember Memento. The second feature by a British filmmaker named Christopher NolanMemento became a breakthrough in American cinemas (the indie made an impressive $25 million in U.S. theaters) and Nolan’s calling card in Hollywood, where he went on to become one of the most important and interesting filmmakers of his generation.

It followed a man named Leonard (Guy Pearce) as he tries to avenge the murder of his wife, in an attack that also left him with severe brain damage. Every few minutes, Leonard forgets where he is and what he’s doing, forcing him to constantly take pictures, write himself notes, and leave homemade tattoos all over his body in order to keep himself on the path to “justice.” With an incredibly complex and unique structure, a magnificent lead performance from Pearce, and a powerful message about the nature of identity, memory, and revenge, Memento is just about perfect. So obviously someone is going to remake it. Viva originality in filmmaking!

The Hollywood Reporter has the story. A company named AMBI picture will “finance and produce” this new Memento (or “Remento”), after its acquisition of the library of another company named Exclusive Media Group. Their “400-title library” also includes Cruel IntentionsDonnie Darko, and Sliding Doors, so if you really wanted to see remakes of any of those movies, well, uh, hooray for you. Via THR, here’s a statement from AMBI exec Monika Bacardi on the announcement:

Memento is a masterpiece that leaves audiences guessing not just throughout the film, but long after as well, which is a testament to its daring approach. We intend to stay true to Christopher Nolan’s vision and deliver a memorable movie that is every bit as edgy, iconic and award-worthy as the original. It’s a big responsibility to deliver something that lives up to the mastery of the original, but we are extremely excited and motivated to bring this puzzle back to life and back into the minds of moviegoers.

Good luck with that.

I like to view the world of movies through a lens of optimism and positivity. But I must confess I’m having a hard time finding the silver lining in a remake of Memento. But the real Leonards of the world will probably love it.

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