Memento analysis example

How does Chris Nolan convey ‘Memento’ as a psychological thriller?

Nolan conveys ‘Memento’ as a thriller movie in many ways and it can be categorised into the following sections:

Sound

The non-diegetic soundtrack sounds like it’s written in a sad and sombre, minor key. Instantly, the mood of the film reveals negative connotations which links into the dark colours used in the mise-en-scene. This music could make the audience feel uneasy and they may expect that something ominous is about to unfold. The music is slow and this is well synchronised with the visuals onscreen, especially the way in which the credits fade in. Overall, this powerful auditory and visual combination forms an effective, dramatic auditory experience. Additionally, it creates an air of mystery and suspense, which are key staples of the psychological genre.

This is sir’s example of an essay that he showed us to help us get used to the way of writing.

I need to learn to use the technical language and to make my writing more analytical and less like a review.

My improvements

·       More analytical.

·       Pictures

·       Speak to the reader more

·       Detail

·       Use of language

·       Paragraphs?

·       More of an essay perhaps rather than sections

'The Happening' analisis

Editingcamera's are quite low. Titles tell us we are in central park. Wind going through the trees (keeps going back). Wind is undiegetic but meant to be diegetic. Long shots, establishing shots. Pan's In on the women. Something is going to happen? Vulnerability. reaction shots to scream. Reaction shots. People stop moving – things are unconventional. Cutting to each scene with the purpose of building tension. People walking backwards. Rapid editing. Tracking shots on the dog. Why are the people not moving? Non responsive people. Confused looks. Overhead shot, onto the shoulder. Can see clearly what she is about to do. Lady stabs herself in the neck. No expression. See her stab herself.
Cut to different scene. Police cars – danger. Titles again to establish where we are.

Sound the sound is fairly heavy using instruments like trumpets, violins and drums. (classical instruments) This makes it scarier and it makes you feel more tension that something is going to happen. Sombre, sad. Light at times but still sad, signifies something bad will happen. scream - tension. Gasp. Sound building. Sparse duologue. From single violin to Cacophony of sounds. Horror music.