Christopher Nolan’s Memento (2000) is a masterclass in nonlinear storytelling and psychological suspense. Following a man who cannot form new memories, the film unfolds in a fragmented, reverse timeline — forcing the audience to experience confusion and revelation just as the protagonist does.
Think you’ve pieced together the full truth of Leonard Shelby’s journey? Take this 10-question trivia quiz and test your memory of one of the most innovative thrillers of the 21st century. Only real cinephiles will make it to the end with the full picture intact.
Memento Trivia Questions & Answers
Here are the correct answers to each question, along with detailed explanations that help unravel the intricacies of Memento (2000) — a film that redefined the mystery genre:
1) Who directed the film Memento (2000)?
Correct Answer: Christopher Nolan
Christopher Nolan wrote and directed Memento, marking his international breakthrough. Based on a short story by his brother Jonathan Nolan, the film introduced audiences to Nolan’s fascination with memory, identity, and time — themes that would later define his filmography.
2) What condition does Leonard suffer from in the film?
Correct Answer: Short-term memory loss
Leonard suffers from anterograde amnesia — he cannot form new short-term memories. After the attack that killed his wife, his brain loses the ability to retain information beyond a few minutes, forcing him to rely on external tools to track his investigation.
3) What method does Leonard use to remember important information?
Correct Answer: Tattoos and Polaroids
To compensate for his memory loss, Leonard tattoos essential facts directly onto his body and takes Polaroid photos with handwritten notes. These serve as his trusted sources of “truth,” though the film cleverly explores how even those can be manipulated — especially by himself.
4) What is Leonard searching for throughout the movie?
Correct Answer: His wife’s killer
Leonard is on a mission to find and kill the man he believes murdered his wife. This obsessive goal fuels the entire film, but as the story unfolds — in reverse — we begin to question whether the mission is just or even based on fact.
5) What is the name of the man Leonard believes is responsible for his wife’s death?
Correct Answer: John G.
“John G.” is the name Leonard has locked onto as his target. His body is marked with the words “John G. raped and murdered my wife.” But the film reveals that “John G.” could be anyone — it’s a common name, and Leonard may have already killed the right man long ago.
6) How is the story in Memento uniquely structured?
Correct Answer: It is told in reverse chronological order
Memento famously unfolds backward, with color scenes shown in reverse order and black-and-white scenes moving forward chronologically. The two timelines converge at the end of the film (which is actually the story’s beginning), forcing the audience to piece the mystery together alongside Leonard.
7) Who is Teddy, according to his own claims?
Correct Answer: An undercover cop
Teddy, whose real name is John Edward Gammell, claims to be an undercover cop who has been helping Leonard. However, his motives are unclear, and his manipulation of Leonard is a key element of the film’s exploration of trust and self-deception.
8) What key item does Leonard find that influences his actions?
Correct Answer: A photograph with a note
Leonard relies heavily on Polaroid photos to remember people and places. One such photo, of Teddy, has “Don’t believe his lies” written on it — a turning point in Leonard’s thinking and a major clue (or misdirection) in how he ultimately chooses to act.
9) What twist is revealed about Leonard’s search at the end of the film?
Correct Answer: He may have already killed the real killer
The film’s devastating twist suggests that Leonard already found and killed his wife’s real attacker a long time ago. But because of his condition — and perhaps his willful denial — he forgets this and continues the hunt, effectively chasing justice in an endless loop.
10) What does Leonard do to ensure he continues his quest, even after learning the truth?
Correct Answer: He lies to himself and plants false clues
In the film’s final moments (chronologically the beginning of his quest), Leonard deliberately writes false information — including planting a note that paints Teddy as the next “John G.” — ensuring he will kill again. This choice blurs the line between victim and villain, and leaves the audience questioning the nature of truth, justice, and memory.
