Memento (2000) is a very unique psychological Thriller as the storyline is presented in a backward sequence so the plot is shown in reverse. The USP of this film I believe is that the audience is continuously kept on their toes as there is suspense and anticipation to what the actual plot is. Personally I believe that this film is one of the best movies I have watched and also the popularity of this film has resulted in a Bollywood replication called Ghajini (2008) which I have also seen.
The film begins with a close up shot of a Polaroid picture which reveals a blood-splattered location and is shown on screen for approx. 30 seconds. As the audience is introduced to this unknown information without any description to what and how this has happened, it leads to curiosity and suspense as there may be links between this situation and the plot of the film. The character that is holding the photograph is frantically waving it around and the picture is in fact fading which alerts the audience that this film is in reverse.
A close up of a man is disclosed after a reversed scene of the photo being printed is shown. The close up reveals the man looking bewildered and shocked to what he has just witnessed which instantly notifies the audience that this man may be either the protagonist or antagonist of this film. The confusion which the opening creates allows the audience to make assumptions as the opening is not explicitly exposing what is happening, which then creates suspense and expectations from the audience.
Clear and quick paced shots are presented which highlight the murder of a victim. These props allow the audience to see what the main aspects to the killing are and the props shown may be symbolic later on in the film.
A shot from a low angle is shown as the main character is standing up looking down at the dead body. This highlights the power the man now has over killing the other character which insinuates that there may have been conflict and affiliation between the two.
The dark lighting throughout the opening creates pathetic fallacy and foreshadowing as the light creates a sinister and ambiguous atmosphere. The lighting allows the conventions of a thriller to be highlighted as the location and setting is in an obscure environment which is usually for drama and action to take place.
The film begins with a close up shot of a Polaroid picture which reveals a blood-splattered location and is shown on screen for approx. 30 seconds. As the audience is introduced to this unknown information without any description to what and how this has happened, it leads to curiosity and suspense as there may be links between this situation and the plot of the film. The character that is holding the photograph is frantically waving it around and the picture is in fact fading which alerts the audience that this film is in reverse.
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