Set Up For Failure

Not to point out the obvious, but this guy’s plan is clearly not fool proof. Just as Teddy has repeatedly pointed out to him, those notes could be leading him astray. Also, if he forgets to write something down, then he is guaranteed to forget it, which also throws him off. Natalie seems to be the prime culprit of manipulating Leonard within the movie. Her boyfriend Jimmy has disappeared without any clues given to where he could be. Tattooed onto Leonard’s leg is the “fact” that the man who killed his wife was named either Jimmy or John. Natalie conveniently finds him information that matches Teddy’s description and manipulates Leonard into thinking that Teddy has been deceiving him regarding his true identity. Natalie hands him a license plate that matches the one that is tattooed on his thigh and it all seems to connect back to Teddy. This is the essential problem with Leonard’s “facts”. While they may be true, and they may fit the description of the man who killed his wife, anyone can manipulate details in order to fit the description that he is looking for. Unfortunately for him, the “facts” are the only thing that he trusts, and he won’t even be able to remember if someone takes advantage of him.

That is a larger scale manipulation that is happening but even the minor characters within the plot mess with him immensely. Burt, the motel manager, booked him in two different rooms so that he pays for both of them. He also haves him reiterate his condition to him even though he has heard it countless times before. Although both of these instances are harmless, it still demonstrates the ease at which others have control over Leonard.