This is a film that has, strangely, been released on DVD rather quietly. I watched it last night and it's the first film in a while that's just had me totally drawn in such that I couldn't take my eyes off the screen until the final credits started rolling. Even then, I sat there, all goosebumply, reflecting on the film and mulling things over. I haven't done that in a long time! This is, quite simply, a great film!



What is it about? Well, the film begins with Simon Cable (Ryan Phillipe) waking up in a hospital bed to find that he can barely remember a thing. He knows his name and when he was born, but he can't remember his wife and he thinks it's the year 2000 when it's actually 2002. So the doctor and his wife start to help him piece together his missing memories and, as he starts to remember, he soon starts to realise that things aren't quite as they appear ...

That's really all you should know about this film going into it. Knowing anything more will really reduce your enjoyment.

The fact that the entire film takes place in the hospital and features a small cast is a testament to the quality of drama and the performances on offer here. Piper Perabo in particular is fantastic. The film is based on a play by the British playwright Michael Cooney (who was also the screenwriter for this film, and also wrote Identity), so naturally has a playlike feel to it, in the same way as something like Glengarry Glen Ross.

I found myself comparing this film to about 3 or 4 other films, but I won't name them here for obvious reasons. The back cover (which I beg you not to read if you try this movie) draws parallels with Memento in particular, but apart from the fact that both films play with issues of memory, the two films have nothing in common.

Anyone else seen it?

You're not allowed to say Ryan Phillippe and 'good movie' in the same sentence on this forum.

Booo, why no love for Phillippe? He's a great actor IMO and been in some great films, including the wonderful 'Playing by Heart' and now this, of course

I haven't seen it. But I already know how it ends.

Might still rent, though.

I've been meaning to check it out. It has a pretty good cast.

I started watching it last night and fell asleep. From what I watched, it wasn't that good.

And Phillippe has been in a few good movies (Cruel Intentions, Way of the Gun).

Never heard of it but it sounds good.
Why didn't it get a wide release??

The cast looks great, I'm looking forward to seeing this one.

I caught this awhile ago. I found it bordered on average, however, it's worth at least a rental. Squirrel God's correct in that Piper Perabo gave a very good performance.

Does Piper get nekkid?

I watched it on cable, and found it boring.

trailer?

I watched it last week, and I'll give it some good buzz . . . while I did have it figured out very early on, it did a nice job in trying to keep the viewers off-balance, which I always enjoy. Funny that you bring it up, I just recommended it in another thread before I saw this.

Agreed about the Memento comment, there really was no correlation. It bugs me when movies try to make associations that don't exist (particularly when they say "It's this year's Sixth Sense!").

The (few not-stupid) IMDb users seem split on the film. I see a lot of "Memento, Jacob's Ladder rip-off" language bandied about. Which makes me wonder is this film actually The Jacket.
There's always Lost & Delirious, where she gets with Liv-lookalike Jessica Pare.

poor ryan phillipe...... one good movie and thats it....

No....but Ryan shows his schlong.

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I like Sarah Polley, so I'll look for this one.

Rented this and watched today...
Very intense! I liked this movie a great deal. Kept me on the edge to the end. Very recommended.

I love Sarah and she was the only reason that I saw this and I was very disappointed with the film. I have a difficult time getting past Ryan's very annoying voice, but the film was pretty sleep inducing all around.