Analysis of opening seqeunce of Memento (Contact Sheet)

The 9 points/frames are:

1. The title of the film: The fact that the title of the film is in a dark blue colour against a black background could suggest that the title of the film has authority and perhaps the audience feel threatened by the word 'Memento' as stands out and is in block capitals. The fact that the word has authority relates to the film very well as the main character Leonard requires photographs which are mementos to get by everyday. This could show that the memento has power over Leonard as the photographs are in total control of Leonard's actions.

2. How the setting or location is revealed: The floor in the shot with the bullet looks very ordinary and plain, the fact that the flooring is dusty and looks like it has never been cleaned- or at least recently- could mean that this place has been abandoned and is a warehouse or outhouse. The fact that there is dust and that the floor hasn't been cleaned could suggest that nobody goes down there very often or perhaps not many people even know it is there. As there is a bullet lying on the floor , it could perhaps convey to the audience that someone has been killed or are in great danger. This could maybe make the reader feel a bit uneasy about the place.

3. Costumes and props: The polaroid camera that a male character is holding represents the title of the film. The word 'Memento' meaning an object or item that serves to remind you of a person or a past event- keepsake or souvenier. The polaroid camera emphasises this as a photgraph is a prime example of a memento. The fact that the audience can not see what the character is taking a picture of in this shot means that it keeps them guessing- who the person in the picture is or what state the person is in.

4. Interesting camera work/editing: The shot of the blood travelling down the frame of the camera shot is very good editing and also camera work. As the camera is tilted means that it is acting as eyes to whoever the character was that just got shot. This is a good camera technique as it isn't a normal camera angle used in thriller films. The editing of the blood flowing down the screen show to the audience that the person that has been shot is indeed dead.

5. Title and font style: The writing appears on the screen in the same colour as the word 'Memento' and it still appears with the dark background. The fact that the titles fade into the centre of the frame whilst a soundtrack plays is effective. The titles appear onto the screen just how the character appears- his hand suddenly appears into the centre of the frame.

6. Story- how the opening sets the story up: The photgraph with a dead man on it covered in blood sets up the story well but also asks the audience to provide some questions as to what is going to happen or in fact what has happened. The shot of the photgraph also again reinforces the name of the film and what relation the film has to the title.

7. Genre (thriller)- and how the opening suggests it: The shot of Leonard (main character) reaching out to grab a gun while looking at a victim on the floor suggets the film is a thriller. The fact that Leonard shoots the victim means that he has no guilt and perhaps the audience want to know- why he shot him and what the relationship is between the two men. As they are in an abandoned warehouse means that Leonard can not be discovered for what he has just done and perhaps the victim will never be found.

8. How any characters are introduced: The shot of Leonard approaching to kill the victim (Teddy) is a great indication to the audience as what he is like as a character. Leonard is introduced to the audience as quite a tough character as he has scratches on his face and is out to cause trouble. The fact that the cuts on his face are not explained to the audience, this could raise questions about how he got them. When he kills Teddy it shows to the audience that maybe he doesn't think things through first and is a man all about violence.

9. Any special effects (or any particular shot you really like): I particually like the shot of Leonard in black and white as it shows that perhaps he has gone back in time. The shot is really effective as it stands out to the audience as being different from the rest of the shots in the opening sequence. It shows that perhaps he is vulnerable person as he can't remember anything that has recently happened to him, this reinforces that he needs mementos to keep track of everything because of his condition.