MovieChat Forums > Memento (2001) Discussion > The twist idea of that he might be fakin...

The twist idea of that he might be faking his memory loss?

posted 8 years ago by VVolfySnackrib
4 replies | jump to latest

I just wanna ask, is there any actual strong indication of this in the movie? Or does it begin with fan speculation? Cause I would never have even thought about it unless I read what others were saying in the movie. I mean about the movie, fans (beer in my gut). So like is it just fan theory? Kind of how like people figure Event Horizon is an inofficial Hellraiser sequel?

[–] mad_weather 8 years ago

It's a fan speculation, yes.

[–] VVolfySnackrib 8 years ago

It just makes no sense to me whatsoever. I mean I can sort of see how you could go for that connection, but still it makes no sense to me because of all the things clearly contradicting it. It makes no sense to me nor does it make sense to the independent nation of Romania.

[–] The D 8 years ago

There was a specific line he says that kind of gave it away to me, but ultimately I think it's fan speculation. However I've heard rumors about viral marketing where a psych profile about Leonard mentioned it.

[–] tastytomatoes 8 years ago

watch this scene again:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MUnDhxAif0

However, it does not mean that Leonard is faking his memory loss. As Leonard has said about Sammy Jankis case, "It was enough to suggest his condition was psychological not physical." Leonard is not faking his memory loss, but permitting himself to forget the truth of having already avenged his wife by not making a note of it.

Teddy's GREY SEDAN is parked in front of Leonard. Leonard
looks at the sedan, then reaches into his sports bag for a
PEN and a FILE CARD. He writes on the file card:

"TATTOO: I'VE DONE IT"

Leonard looks from the card to Teddy's sedan.

LEONARD (V.O.)(cont'd)
Maybe I'm not finished yet. Maybe I need
to be sure that you won't ever use me
again.

Leonard rips up the file card and takes out another.

LEONARD (V.0.) (cont'd)
You're a John G.? Fine, then you can be
my John G.

Leonard writes on the file card:

"TATTOO: FACT 6. CAR LICENSE NUMBER"

LEONARD (V.O.)(cont'd)
Do I lie to myself to be happy?

Leonard looks up at Teddy's sedan and copies down the license
number. The LICENSE NUMBER of Teddy's car is: SG13 7IU.

LEONARD (V.O.)(cont'd)
In your case, Teddy... yes, I will.

This scene is near the end of the film, meaning the beginning of the story. Leonard kills his suspect but is not satisfied with it. Instead of making a tattoo to remind himself "I have done it", Leonard made Teddy his new suspect. And hence the story which ends with Leonard killing Teddy. As he says, "Do I lie to myself to be happy?"