10 Best Neo-Noir Movies Of The 21st Century

Christopher Nolan's Memento is the quintessential neo-noir. Not only does it feature the most unreliable narrator of all time -- an insurance investigator with anterograde amnesia -- but it's juxtaposition of chronological and reverse order sequences ensures that all of the clues spread throughout the narrative will lead eventually to a startling and satisfying revelation.

And yet, Nolan's nonlinear storytelling doesn't come off like a gimmick, as it does in certain Quentin Tarantino movies. This style allows the red herrings to pile up with maximum effect, and the payoff (one that shouldn't be spoiled for the few readers who, for some reason, have yet to watch this masterwork) feels entirely earned.

Memento's detractors will point out that Memento is a one-trick pony that loses its luster after the initial viewing, but as with any great mystery, part of the fun is going back to re-watch the film and catch all of the evidence you might have missed the first time around.

Besides, Guy Pearce and Carrie-Anne Moss deliver performances that beg to be witnessed multiple times.