Why was non-linear narrative structure used in Memento?
In the movie Memento, a non-linear narrative structure was adopted. What effect does this peculiar narrative structure have on the movie watchers?
Best Answer
The effect of the order of sequences in the film is meant to display Leonard's inability to remember, showing what seems to be a mixed series of events out of order. It is also performed this way because it is a way for the viewer to sympathize and get involved with the story, trying to figure out what is going on as much as the main character is.
It is only when Leonard realizes the truth about Teddy does the movie's B&W and Color scenes (Essentially, the 2 different timelines) converge which is also when the viewer returns to what was the beginning and share in Leonard's realization
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Why is Memento non-linear?
I read somewhere that a large reason for the use of the non-linear structure was so that the drama would be in the beginning - if you think about it, the way the film works out is that the climax is in the middle instead of the end if you go linearly.What narrative structure is Memento?
Memento (2000) has been purposefully edited in reverse order, to complement the character of Leonard Shelby and emphasize the film's unique non-linear narrative structure. The audience is further enabled to observe the film through the perspective of Leonard: fragmented and out of order.What is the purpose of non-linear narrative?
Nonlinear narratives can be used to tell a wider version of the story at hand. For example, a nonlinear narrative will not just tell the chronological story of one romance but instead tell a story on the theme of romance. A nonlinear narrative can often be used to speak more generally on a theme.Why does Christopher Nolan use non-linear storytelling?
He started using nonlinear storytelling in Following, his first feature film about a writer that follows people for material and inspiration. However, it's in Memento that he took the technique to new, mind-bending extremes.How To Do Nonlinear Narratives Correctly (SPOILERS!)
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Answer 2
I am not sure, this is just a guess: The director might have decided to use this narrative structure in order to confuse the watcher. The main character suffers from a strange type of amnesia, that is why he can't remember the past. We, as watchers, are confronted with the same problem: we see the present, but have no idea of what events lead to this. I think the point is to increase our empathy with the character. What is more, he hides his true intentions(the surprise in the ending).
Answer 3
As from a Christopher Nolan interview, he tried to make the viewers view the story in two different ways. The black and white is what we see from outside. We see Leonard talking to an unknown person. Do we hear what the other person is taking, or see him while the other person is taking in reality? No. So we hear only Leonard, see only Leonard. We move according to true events.
But things start to go a little bumpy after Leonard kills Jimmy. The colour part is what we see Leonard's mind. We also get to know what he is thinking. Like,'Okay, what am I doing?' Or 'Maybe I should search the drawer, although I know I would find nothing'. That is why things we see from his perspective, makes us believe what he believes. We think Teddy is a criminal. We think Natalie as a good friend.
But things are revealed at the end, where we start to think according to what facts are, when we start to see the scenes ourselves, not according to what he thinks. And so the colour scenes go backwards, revealing more and more deep truths, and making us switch from Leonard's own reasoning to our own reasoning.
More information: 18-minute analysis by Christopher Nolan on Memento
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