Momento analysis;

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cifPv4QWTH0

Mise en scene;
For most of the opening we are shown the same image e.g. it doesnt change often and mainly shows the same shot of a hand holding a picture. Its only as time goes on do we notice the image is infact changing/fading with every flick of the hand which could represent a forgotten memory like its somewhat been erased linking back to the title 'momento'. The titles during the opening stay at the same steady pace. We can also see writing on the hand which isnt easily readable but could represent a secret message/meaning to the character or image. When the man places the image back into the camera we notice its an old camera giving an impression of the setting being a while ago e.g. past event and not a recent or future accurance, or it could represent the character himself e.g. he may be stuck in time (like a photo/memory) or possibly not aware of his surroundings and changes. When we first see the blood we know something has happended and most likely something bad like a murder or accident etc. Its only obvious that its infact rewinding/going backwards when the bullet moves to go back in the gun and the glasses move onto the victims head. The fact it rewinds back in time could also link to him having an old camera because the shots about time and the past. When he shoots the gun we also notice that the windows of the place he's in are covered in white sheets indicating an isolated, lonely or hidden room that not many people would often be in. This creates a mysterious and somewhat scary atmosphere and makes the audience ask questions such as how and why he's there. Just before it shows him shooting the man the gun goes to shots to his hand and because its reversed we know that he must of chucked the gun after he shot this man. This could mean its not his weapon giving him some credit because he may not be a totally bad or evil character as first presumed or it could represent the end of everything as he chucks the gun like he no longer needs it.

Editing;
The text/titles in the opening remain the same and stay at the same rythm/speed. The colour of the titles are ice-blood meaning a cold and lonely feeling. The titles are in time with the music always fading in and out whilst remaining in the centre.The director of this film has chosen to show the ending at the start which works really effectively as its unique, different and catches the audiences attention making them want to continue watching to see what happens. It somewhat first confuses them so they are left asking questions and wondering whats going on. The use of this is very quick, snappy and sudden in comparison to the slow, steady and calm beginning. It somewhat happens in a blink of an eye. The sudden change in pace builds tension and excitment to the point of the gunshot acting as a climax. The exaggerated sound also adds excitment and fear because it causes a reaction from the audience making us jump when the man shouts.

Camerawork;
The first shot, the closeup of the picture and the hand is effective because it doesnt give all information straight away and also leaves you asking questions like whos hand is it? Whats the picture for or of? making it more interesting. It uses a range of closeups a couple of times like when it shows the glasses and bullet on the floor. The use of these closeups are good because it gives the situation from another angle/perspective. When it first starts filming it shows him putting the image into the camera and then back into his pocket. The camera somewhat follows his actions gaining our full attention on what hes doing and making us notice details then pans up towards his face to show his facial expresion of shock. The further away shot of him standing when he reaches for the gun is slightly at a lower angle making him look taller or bigger. This makes you as the audience feel intimidated or small by this character unltimately making him bigger, of a higher status and possibly more powerful.

Sound/Music;
The sound within the opening starts calm and soothing and then speeds up becoming more upbeat and stops the second it flashes causing the atmosphere to change instantly, leaving the audience feeling shocked and nervous but also intrigued.