HCT: Conventions of a Thriller film opening
Memento (Nolan,2000)

 

• Memento is a mystery thriller released in 2000 and is a good film to study in this genre. From viewing the title sequence of this film the most obvious contributing component is the fact that it is completely in reverse.The whole sequence is backwards and a dramatic effect is created because this is quite unconventional.
• The clip uses a photograph of a dead body in a mans hand. Throughout the first take the camera uses an close up of this to fixate the attention to this object. As the clip progresses the photograph becomes more of a washout and the audience understands it has just been processed. From this, the audience feels a sense of suspense and enigma is created.
• Many generic conventions of thriller films are used in this sequence such as the use of a gun, the use of suspense and tension leading to excitement at the end (when he shoots the unknown man). Another common convention is conveyed through Mise én scene
• The man who is given most screen presence is dressed in a beige coat, he has taken a photograph of the victim and is carrying a gun. All these are often use in thrillers when representing a character based around some sort of detective. This shows signs of a crime genre which is a sub genre of thrillers.

• The typograhy used in the sequences title is a vivid blue colour and is constantly overlayed on top of the main footage. It's a visually solid text and the colour helps the audience to associate the text with a cold feeling, which could be representative of the storyline or even the 'cold' blooded murder that takes place in the title sequence.
• The sound in this sequence is used to amplify the use of suspense. Low pitched synth sounds are use which is a common convention in thrillers when trying to convey tension or suspense. As the clip progresses excitement it created through a rushing wind sound that gets louder and louder until a climax is reached at the gun shot which is exhilarating for the audience.
• The cutting rate also follows this trend as the cutting rate increases showing several props such as glasses and a bullet shell in reverse.
• The character who shoots the other man is always shown low camera angles featuring a very blank expression, showing no emotion contributing to the cold hearted attack taking place. The man in the floor is shown through high camera angles and from the other mans perspective creating a domineering character who is looking over a weaker, helpless individual.