Buckland-Warren-Puzzle-Films-Complex-Storytelling-Contemporary-Cinema

104 Stefano Ghislottiand that they are parts of a mnemonic network of associations: they relateto one another even if they are not contiguous, and they can suggest adifferent signification by their repetition in new contexts, as is the casefor the two groups of three images we evoked.Owing to its particular form, Memento presents in fact a mnemonicsystem: a structured set of memory aids which parallels the two mainstory lines. We have already considered the matching shots, which helpto create mnemonic connections between two sequences, and which helpwith putting in order the events depicted. When an element of the filmbecomes a memory device, its main function is to shift the focus of theviewer’s attention to some significant detail: a comparison is made and aworking hypothesis is outlined. Mnemonic connections are different fromtemporal or causal connections: they are free from a rigid direction as wellas from strict chronological binds. They can be used as a differentiatedset of memory functions, such as recognizing, comparing, anticipating, recalling,suggesting relationships, finding gaps, waiting for more details, andso forth.Memory Moving ImagesPerhaps a conclusive argument concerning the specific arrangement of elementsin the original version, and their relevance as mnemonic devices, isthe position of five key shots, which in their actual ordering can serve thefunction of recalling and summing up the whole film. They are repeatedshots of the oil reservoirs, which Leonard passes when going to and comingfrom the derelict building.1 (V, color) The Jaguar passes by the oil reservoirs (going to thebuilding).2 (V, color) The Jaguar enters the area in front of thederelict building; a pickup truck is parked nearthe building.3 (22, black and white) The pickup truck passes by the oil reservoirs(going to the building).4 (22, black and white) The pickup truck enters the area in front of thederelict building and stops.5 (A, color) The Jaguar passes by the oil reservoirs (comingfrom the building).