Memento Manipulation Quotes

How we cite our quotes: All quotations are from Memento.

Quote #4

LEONARD My car.

TEDDY This "is" your car.

LEONARD Oh, you're in a playful mood. [shows Teddy a picture of his car]. It's not good to make fun of a handicap.

TEDDY Just trying to have a little fun.

Trying to have a little fun? Or trying to cash in the two hundred G's stashed in the trunk? Throughout the whole movie Teddy is trying to get control of Leonard's car; offering him to trade cars or suggesting that he move it for him or get the window fixed. This is just a small manipulation that lies within the larger John G. manipulation that Teddy is using to essentially control Leonard's life.

Quote #5

LEONARD: Hey, mister! I need help! There's a guy in here, he's hurt bad. We gotta get him to a doctor.

TEDDY: All right.

LEONARD: I don't know what happened. I've got this memory thing. Do I know you?

TEDDY: No. Don't worry. I'm a cop.

LEONARD: Is he still breathing?

TEDDY: Well, I don't know. Maybe. What the hell were you guys doing?

LEONARD: I don't remember, I have this condition.

TEDDY: I hope it's not as serious as his, cause this guy's dead. Ow! Lenny! That s*** kills!

LEONARD: So you remember me now, huh?

Finally! We've watched Leonard get manipulated all movie and he's finally using his condition to his advantage and manipulating Teddy. By pretending he's just forgot what happened and that he doesn't know Teddy, he's able to get the leg up on him, which leads to Teddy spilling all the beans, which in this case are truth beans… probably.

Quote #6

LEONARD: Can I just let myself forget what you've told me? Can I just let myself forget what you made me do? You think I just want another puzzle to solve? Another John G to look for? You're a John G. So you can be my John G. Do I lie to myself to be happy? In your case, Teddy... yes, I will.

Whoa. Willfully manipulating himself to kill a man who, although certainly not innocent, did not rape and murder his wife. Talk about controversial manipulation. If Leonard is willing to do this, who's to say that Teddy wasn't telling the truth? Maybe Leonard has already been lying to make himself happy.