Christopher Nolan’s mind-bending thriller, told backwards through the eyes of a man who can’t form new memories, was filmed on a shoestring across Los Angeles – its anonymous motels and diners becoming the maze its hero can never escape.
Where was Memento filmed?
Memento was filmed across Los Angeles – the motels, diners and streets of the San Fernando Valley and beyond.
Every Memento location, explained
1
The motels – the Valley
Leonard’s motels used real spots around Tujunga and North Hills in the Los Angeles Valley.
2
The diners – Glendale
The diner scenes used locations around Glendale and Burbank.
3
The anonymous streets
The film’s rootless world used ordinary streets across Los Angeles.
4
The wider shoot
The low-budget film made the most of everyday LA locations.
Planning a visit
The everyday motels and diners of Los Angeles – deliberately anonymous – are the film’s real, accessible backdrop.
Memento Fun Facts
1
Filmed around LA The thriller used ordinary motels and diners across Los Angeles.
2
Told backwards The film unfolds in reverse, mirroring its hero’s broken memory.
3
A Nolan breakthrough The film launched Christopher Nolan’s career.
4
Made on a shoestring It was shot quickly and cheaply, on a modest budget.
5
Based on a short story It grew from a story by Christopher’s brother Jonathan Nolan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Memento filmed?
Across Los Angeles – the motels, diners and streets of the San Fernando Valley and beyond.
Is it told backwards?
Yes – the film unfolds in reverse to mirror its hero’s amnesia.
Can you visit the locations?
Yes – the everyday LA locations are accessible.
Who directed Memento?
Christopher Nolan.
Who stars in Memento?
Guy Pearce.
