Memento Opening Sequence

In class today we watched the opening sequence to the psychological thriller 'memento'. We focused on how micro-elements related to the conventions used in this film.
The film starts with a man is shaking a photograph, though rather than the photo developing, it is doing the opposite.  This is an example of reversing of time which disorientates the sense of reality and continuity and gives the film a non-linear narrative. Also at this point in the film, as well as holding a photograph he has writing all over his hand which he uses to keep track of vital information, this is what first introduces the audience to his amnesia (Achilles heel). There is a tense non diegetic sound track which contributes to the sense of suspense.

The audience automatically knows the man is a protagonist because of his vulnerability and isolation as he cant make any new memories, due to his amnesia. A key point showing his amnesia is in the hotel room where he does not know how long he has been there, which is shown by the use of the main characters voice over, showing his stream of consciousness. This shows his lack of certainty and confusion. In this clip there is a high angle in the hotel room where he is wearing just a shirt and bare legs, this again shows his vulnerability. Throughout the hotel room scene it is in black and white, perhaps representing a flashback into the past, whilst this is happening there is a slow pace of editing and a close up of his eyes indicating confusion and drowsiness of the character.

From just the opening sequence the audience are made to believe that the main character is unreliable and dangerous, this shows the convention dual identity.