Analysis of Memento

Analysis of Memento

Cinematography:

• Close-ups and extreme close ups are prominent through-out this film. Again this is another typical technique used in thrillers. The audience lacking visuals creates suspense and curiosity. Also, the main character is undergoing a tough experience and these types of shots emphasize this by showing his facial expressions.
• Shot reverse shot is used a lot within this film. This is due to characters having to continuously explain the situation to the main character (short term memory loss). This emphasizes both confusion and tension which are both imporant conventions used in thrillers
  

Mise-en-Scene

• The setting/props used are appropiate for the genre of the film. The main guy suffers from short term memory loss, and is staying in a dark, dingy hotel room. Therefore he experiences fear each time he awakes as he finds himself within this environment.
• The main character is wearing bright clothes (blue shirt, light trousers etc). This is to help the audience distinguish the good characters from the bad. Good characters usually have bright clothes where as the bad characters wear dark clothing.
  

Editing:

• When It cuts to present day, the scene is black and white. This is to distinguish the fact that It is a different time from the one the audience has just previously encountered. This is done effective as It is easily recognisable.
• Past scenes occasionally shown at a really fast pace to show vague his memories are.
• Simple cut transitions used through-out the movie, but scenes are arranged differently as the audience are experiencing his actions backwards.
  
  

Sound:

When the fast paced memories are shown, loud squeals are played along side them. This is to make the audience jump (another strong factor involved with successful thrillers). This is usually done during a calm scene or when tension is building up. Again, the jump factor is emphasized due to the contrast of loudness from a previously calm/quiet scene.

A rushing noise is heard just before the black and white scene (present day) to emphasize the 'rushing' back to present day. This non diagetic sound is very effective.