Case Study - Memento

Memento is a psychological/mystery thriller written and directed by Christopher Nolan though inspired and developed from Christopher's younger brother Jonathan Nolan's short story, 'Memento Mori'.

In terms of the narrative, memento falls into the sub-genres of psychological thriller and mystery thriller through the genre codes and characteristics/conventions.Common characteristics of this genre and its sub-genres include the narrative being centred around murder, the protagonist is fallible and has an weakness which is exploited by others, the protagonist is seen in peril before the resolution, theme of identity is partially part of the theme though the protagonist does actually know who he is. The viewers are also placed in an ambiguous situation as a series of important enigmas are unravelled from the opening scene through to the end.

Leonord Shelby is a sufferer from anterograde amnesia who is after the criminals who 'murdered' his wife though encounters various issues due to his condition. He tattoos his own body as notes for reminding himself what happens as he is unable to make new memories - however this weakness is exploited by the antagonist Natalie who uses this to get revenge for her boyfriend as well as by Teddy Gambell who uses him to 'make a little extra money'. He is shown in many different dangerous situations throughout the film as it works backwards to resolve the solution, this effect of showing the film in reverse places the audience in an ambiguous position and creates great suspense and tension for the viewers as they anticipate future, or in this case previous events.