Notes on the opening sequence of memento

Within the opening sequence of memento, many traditional aspects of 'psychological thrillers' are used, such as; The reversing of time, creating a non-linear narrative, this happens at the very start of the piece, making it disrupt the continuity. Flash backs in the sequence are used to create the sense of memory and how the main character cannot create new memories, this 'flaw' he has, makes his conception of reality hard to understand, this also makes our sense of time confused.

Through the use of the photographs makes him not immediately perceptible. This also makes his character unreliable, the character is unpredictable, yet the viewer is invited to identify him. This makes him vulnerable, heartless and dangerous, lonely and unstable (points all linked to his traumatic memory). This creates tension.

The use of high pitched string instruments (non-diegetic sound), instantly creates a great sense of tension. Although the calm music is the complete opposite of what is happening in the scene, it creates a unknown atmosphere, making the viewer experience the tension also felt by the characters in the scene. The diegetic  sounds in the clip are mainly of the gun shot and of the shaking of the photograph, these sounds make the scene seem very realistic making the extraordinary happen in the ordinary world.

Panning shots used in the room establish the location, they are also from Lennie's point of view so the viewer is invited to empathise with him. Other shots used such as the close of of Lennie's face as the narrator speaks, relate back to the traditional aspects of psychological thrillers (eyes being a common imagery).

The mise en scene of the piece is created with the use of the tattoo's covering the characters body, this helps us understand the characters 'flaw' and links into the memory as his body is used as a notebook to remember key information.