1. Memento

2. This is the first image that we see from the opening credits. It is a
gory image, clearly of a murder. This immediately sets a serious, eerie
atmosphere. There is a sense of mystery and the audience is left with
wanting to find out what has happened and why this picture is
significant. We can’t see any body or anything that explains the blood
enhancing the element of mystery.
The type of photograph is one that has been taken by a polaroid
camera which suggests that it is set some time in the past.
1

3. We then get to meet the man behind the picture, but not behind the
camera. They may be many reasons as to why he is taking a picture of a
murder case, he could be the murderer, he could be a detective (ect.) so
the element of mystery is kept there and the audience are left in suspense.
This seems to be the main character in the movie.
The lighting is very dark.
Even the camera and his
clothing are dark, grey
colours.
The only light that
shines through highlight
his nose area,looking
through the camera, and
his hands, holding the
camera. This creates a
dramatic effect.
2

4. 3
Propp’s character theory allows me to
indicate that this person is the ‘hero’. The
hero’s purpose is to restore equilibrium after
destruction. The hero is also, usually
attractive and appropriately dressed.
We see the face of the man who took the picture of the crime scene.
His facial expression is emotionless and he is just looking down at
the gory murder scene. There is still no way of knowing but the
blood on his face could suggest that he is the murder.

5. 4
We see the dead body