Emma Phillips Foundation Production

The film “Memento” falls under the subgenre of a physiological thriller, of which is produced by Newmarket film studio. The film starts with an extreme close-up shot, where the camera focuses on a specific picture in the hands of the character we first see. This is then followed on by a tracking shot, which tracks up to the main character’s face. The tracking shot allows the audience to see the overall appearance of the main character, due to the slow speed of the pan showing his significance within the film itself.

Mise-en-scene
From the mise-en-scene, we are able to infer that the first character we see is the one we will follow throughout the movie. The significant choice of costume for him however, the colour of his suit being light cream as opposed to a violent colour such as red, may suggest a vulnerability about him; which we later go on to discover is his memory. On the other hand however, the gun in his hand, the blood on his face and the photo of the dead body he has, may portray him as a villain.

Lighting

In the opening of the film, there is low-key lighting, possibly to reflect the characters emotions. However, the use of dull light makes the expressions on the characters faces more noticeable, hinting towards their persona.

Editing
Generally, cuts are simple, such as the one used at the opening of the film, where the screen moves fro m the titles and credits of the film onto the opening scene.

Sound
Instantly, the mood of the film reveals negative connotations which links into the dark colours used in the mise-en-scene, adding to the tense atmosphere and making the audience believe something ominous is about to happen. This also matches the visuals well on screen, such as the credits fading in and out again. Within “Momento”, both diegetic and non-diegetic sounds are used for different effects. Non diegetic sound is used within the instrumental music, of which is played in the background whilst the title and opening credits are shown. Diegetic sounds however are shown through objects, such as the camera flashing sound and the pen scrawling whilst he makes a note of important things he needs to remember to achieve his aim of revenge. Overall, the commanding auditory and visual arrangement undoubtedly forms a successful, striking auditory experience. Furthermore, it creates an air of mystery and anticipation, which are key elements of the psychological genre.