The casting of Leonard wasnt the only decision that didnt go the initial way Nolan had intended, either. Although Carrie-Ann Moss puts in a fine shift as the duplicitous bartender Natalie, she wasnt the first name linked to the role. Ashley Judd, Famke Janssen and future Mrs Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, were all linked to Mementos female lead at various stages. Its unclear how close any of them got to the role, but they were all in contention. Once Moss was cast, though, she suggested her former Matrix co-star Joe Pantoliano for the role of corrupt policeman Teddy. He wasnt the first choice, either, because comedian Denis Leary and the mighty Alec Baldwin had both previously been considered. Mementos casting process wasnt a simple one, then; almost every character ended up with a second or even third choice actor in the role. Regardless, its impossible to picture any other version of this cast working as well together as Pearce, Moss and Pantoliano did. Thats part of the reason were all so sceptical about a remake the chemistry in the original film was nothing short of excellent.
