Review: Remember Me (2010)
I preface this review by acknowledging that yes, I am a Twilight fan. Judge all you want, but my motivation for publicising a potentially embarrassing confession stems from my current frustration, because the label of “fan” is strangely limiting in instances like these. I fear my opinion is worthless because any positive thing I say about Remember Me can be brushed off and attributed to “OME!” allegiance, marred by subjective bias. It is an insufferable position to be in, and one that I’m sure most people experience from time to time. However, I strive for objectivity here, so yes, there were scenes that were slow, there was a scattering of cheesy dialogue, and whenever Robert Pattinson shouted I started laughing. But ultimately, I come to a conclusion that I hope would be no different had I not already been a solidified Twilight/Robert Pattinson fan: Remember Me is a beautiful film.
The story follows the tumultuous relationship between Tyler (Robert Pattinson) and Ally (Emilie de Ravin), each individually burdened by past tragedies, their respective families still scarred and strained by loss. “Live in the moments” – the somewhat cringe worthy tagline for the film is further reinforced by Tyler's outset declaration that "Gandhi said that whatever you do in life will be insignificant, but it’s very important that you do it”. However, these sentiments are echoed throughout the movie in a surprisingly effective manner: Remember Me is pushed forward by little moments that are seemingly inconsequential in isolation, but which subtly culminate to provide a poignant reflection on the fragility and uncertainty of life.
From the opening sequence, watching Remember Me is like losing a fistfight – appropriate, really, considering one of the key scenes of the film involves some king hits and bloody lips. It's blow after blow, leaving you shocked and hurt and winded. There is a “weight” to every scene - even in lighter moments, it is impossible to ignore the underlying sense of turmoil and heartache plaguing each character, regardless of their age or background.
In any other context, elements of the film could easily be considered clichéd or contrived – specifically Ally’s impulsive nature (“I have my dessert first”) and Tyler’s consistently rebellious attitude against… well, everything. But in Remember Me almost every action, every word is convincingly justified. Past events motivate present behaviour.
I had remained relatively spoiler-free, apart from knowing there was an almighty twist towards the end. Prior to seeing the movie, I had theorized what the twist would be and conjured up countless imaginary scenes depicting the way I thought the film was going to conclude. Even while watching, I kept changing my predictions, hoping to have the satisfaction of a correct guess. Looking back, there are clues littered throughout the movie and if you’re good at maths, if you’re perceptive and observant and know your embarrassing pop cultural references, you might be able to guess what’s coming.
The last five minutes. The build-up is so deceptively subtle, the impact so shatteringly momentous.
Without giving anything away, there is a shot towards the end of Remember Me that is a visual definition of hauntingly beautiful – a shot of Tyler in his father’s office, his standing form reduced to a silhouette against the beautiful bright sky as he gazes out the ninety-second floor window. Out of context, such a description would undoubtedly sound insignificant, but it’s placement in the movie, the sequencing of the intercutting scenes, the elation and triumph. Comprehension. Dread and helplessness.
The ending in particular has polarised audiences, especially in the United States, leading to accusations that the movie exploits sensitive issues for shock value. Others argue that the film respectfully urges its audience to contemplate the way unexpected moments can change the course of our lives forever. If one thing is clear, it’s that Remember Me certainly isn’t the sort of film that garners a collective audience reaction, but instead elicits an individual and very personal response from every single viewer.
For better or worse, due to contentment or dissatisfaction, Remember Me will undoubtedly remain in your memory long after you leave the cinema.
