Memento analysis

We chose to analysis a second film, which was 'Memento'. We chose to do this as we were also extremely influenced by it when thinking about our opening of our thriller as it is a psychological thriller. We were influenced by this due to the Polaroid pictures which are used throughout the film. We thought that the Polaroid pictures would be good for the photos of the five victims, when we burn each one of them after the killer has killed them. We also thought the pictures would be a good effect for our credits.

Most of the opening scene is an extreme close up shot where you can see the Polaroid picture and little of the dark blurry background, and it also has a bit of a hand in the shot. The hand suggests that it is the protagonists hand. The picture has a man laying down dead on the floor with blood around him, every time the picture is shaken, the image on the picture changes. The lighting of the picture keeps changing, which is making it more difficult for the audience to figure of what it is. Due to having most of the opening of the pictures, this suggests that it play an big and important role throughout the film. By using an extreme close up shot it blocks our view from anything else and makes us focus just on the picture, A mid shot is then used when you can see the Polaroid picture and the body of the protagonist. A close up shot it used when the protagonist has the camera in his hand and taking a photo, this is then followed by a close up shot of his face. This reveals his identity and shows that he is the main character of the film, and the film will revolve around him. By using a close up of his face it lets the audience see his reactions and emotions.


There is then a close up shot of objects such as: blood, bullet, glasses, and back of a head of someone being shot with blood around them. All of these close up shots connote importance and that they suggests that they will be important parts throughout the film. A low angle show is then used which connotes importance and power. Close up shots are used once again of the objects, however they are going in reverse, which suggests that the film could be in reverse order. This lets the audience have an clear understanding of the murder and helps them understand the film. The final shot is an extreme close up of the protagonist face, going from his mouth to his eyes.

Throughout the opening, they have used low lighting, as this implies a typical thriller film. By having a low lighting setting it can cause a shadowy effect sometimes. The darkness suggests a mysterious and curious atmosphere, which can make the audience feel unsure and unsettled, and memento uses this effectively.

In the opening of memento they use slow paced music which are strings which helps set the atmosphere as it is quite mysterious, which makes the audience feel uncomfortable and unsure about what is going to happen throughout the film. This type of music is used a lot in thrillers as it can build up tension before the film has even started and make people feel on edge. The music dies down when on the objects and then builds back up with a heartbeat sound when the close up shot of his face is used. This builds up tension and makes the audience wanting to watch the film. Non- diegetic sounds are used, for example the Polaroid picture getting shaken  the sound of the camera, the shouting of the man getting shot "what?". These are all used to help build the tension of the film. The sound of the bullet going across the floor creates a scraping and screeching sound which can be unnerving. Also the loud bang like sound of the gun shot builds tension as this gives you an inside of the film.

In memento they don't use that much editing as most of the clip is the Polaroid picture which takes up at least one minute, and they do not want to confuse the audience anymore as the film is in reverse. The title and credits are very simple as they are in a light blue font which appear over the Polaroid pictures which are red and white, this makes the font stand out. The title of memento are in capital letters which makes it clear and the colour blue connotes coldness and sadness which also links in with the slow paced music which can also connote sadness.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memento_(film)