How Is Leonard Presented In Memento

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Guy Pearce’s performance in the film Memento is one of the most iconic in recent memory. His portrayal of Leonard Shelby, an amnesiac on a wrathful quest for revenge, is a masterful blend of intensity and nuance. Pearce manages to display the confusion and disorientation of Leonard’s condition, while still maintaining a gripping sense of purpose and drive. His portrayal of Leonard is both brutal and heartbreaking, making Memento an unforgettable film. Through an examination and analysis of Pearce’s performance, we can gain insight into the character he portrays. By examining his physicality, and gestures, you can better appreciate the complexity and depth of his performance, and even see some of the themes this film conveys. Memento is …show more content…

In his performance, you can see that he maintains a closed posture, and frequently places his hands in his pockets. This helps to convey the closed off aspect of Leonard’s character. Pearce portrays Leonard as a man with restrained gestures, reflecting the characters restraint he feels in dealing with the world around him. Leonard has been profoundly affected by his inability to trust others and the betrayal he has experienced. His stiff posture and closed fists work to reinforce his emotional and mental state. Pearce’s gestures often reflect Leonard’s mental and emotional state as well. For instance, Leonard often has one hand cupped, as if he is holding something in his palm. This gesture is often used to portray how he is holding his own memory. However, it could also be his sense of uncertainty. We see in the film how Leonard cups his hands when trying to piece together the details of his wifes murder, showing how even when he is certain, he still has a sense of uncertainty. Leonard also often uses his hands to shield his face and head. He uses this gesture when he is under stress and when he is fearful. His gesture of shielding his head conveys that the source of his stress and fear is himself. Leonard is his own worst enemy. He fears the internal confusion that has so profoundly affected his mind and, in turn, his