We Finally Understand The Ending Of Memento

Before we scrub up and begin dissecting "Memento" and its ending, let's quickly recap the film's disorienting events. First off, you can't discuss the film without breaking down its unique format, and how its narrative structure relates to the main character's condition. Due to Leonard's short-term memory loss, the film is told completely backward, beginning with a literal bang courtesy of a gunshot.

The film opens with Leonard shooting a man named Teddy (Joe Pantoliano) in the head, but for what reason, we have absolutely no idea. As the film goes on, we learn that Leonard's condition began the day his wife was sexually assaulted and killed in their own home. Following a head injury sustained in the attack, Leonard must now meticulously remind himself of things with Polaroid photographs and notes that he has tattooed all over his body. Following the killing, the movie begins showing us the events that lead to it one scene at a time — only in reverse. This means when a scene concludes, audiences are then shown the opening moments that had led up to it. These scenes run concurrently with a series of black-and-white sequences which detail Leonard telling a story about a man named Sammy Jankis to someone on the phone.

As the narrative goes further back in time, we see how Leonard's condition can be taken advantage of, such as when a bartender named Natalie (Carrie Anne Moss) exploits it for her own needs. We also get to know Teddy, and with every interaction, we question along with Leonard whether or not he can be trusted.

If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).