1. Memento
Opening Scene
Max Phillips

2. Setting
The setting in the opening titles is hard to
distinguish right away. Not much is being shown
in the surroundings of the clip and this adds
some what of a ‘mystery’ to the beginnings of
this movie, drawing the audience in.
Most of the clips are close-ups of various objects,
in different angles. This makes it harder to show
what’s going on and adds somewhat of a
suspense to the whole scene, making it hard to
identify the environment the clips are shot in.

3. Clues to Character
The first glimpse we are given of this
character is after the actors title names are
shown on screen. What is seen is a man
holding a camera and seeming to
photograph some sort of evidence. This
may lead the audience to believe he is
part of a crime scene or somewhat.
After several close up shots of objects
covered in gore, and a reverse editing
technique, it becomes clear this man
murdered somebody. This reverse editing
technique used to depict the story and
reveal the character adds a shock factor to
the scene and suspense to the rest of the
movie itself.

4. Narrative
The narrative becomes clear quickly. Not in it’s
entirety, but for the opening scene itself. It is
clear that some sort of murder has occurred
because of the picture being held, and the
reverse events which depict the murder itself.
This scene adds a gory yet mysterious sense of
opening to start the movie.

5. Sound
The opening scenes play various types of audio to suit the setting. The
first sound which is heard is a soundtrack played alongside the scenes of
the opening titles. This slow music gradually builds more and more
emphasis the longer it plays which builds suspense to the images shown
on screen.
After the opening titles are over, the reversed scene which depicts the
murder is shown and a subtle, ambient sound effect is played in the
background while shooting the environment to add to the suspense. The
suspense is soon drawn and the murder is played out on screen. The
built up sound of the bullet dropping and gun shot is heard and the final
scream finalizes the scene.

6. Cinematography
The cinematography used throughout the
scene is all close-up shots of the environment
and key objects. Close-ups add more
suspense to the scene and creates a build up
of tension due to the lack of knowledge the
audience has of the surroundings. This creates
a unique effect which helps depict the
narrative.

7. Editing
The editing is very slow. The title fades in
along with the first clip and from then
onwards the editing is subtle.
The clips are quite lengthy and depict the
surroundings. This slower type of editing
can add to the effect which is trying to be
created, one of which is mysterious.
It becomes evident that the scene is
reversed. This can psychologically help the
viewer identify smaller details easily and
adds more of a thrill around the entirety of
it.
The clips slowly begin to speed up and the
shot is fired suddenly going into a black
frame.