Memento & Adaptation Narrative Structure

Garrett T. Marchant

Com. 126.01

Prof. Saphire

October 9th, 2020

    In this week's assigned films, Memento, and Adaptation, the main characters find themselves in very different conundrums, while maintaining a similar theme. Despite the characters incredibly different problems, they both find themselves in situations in which they cannot get out of their own way. Along with their similar themes, the two films use unique narrative structures to deliver their individual stories to the viewer. The film’s narrative structure works as a layout that conveys the order and method in which the story is delivered. Whether it’s the film’s usage of first person narration, or the character’s complex personalities, these details support the film's convoluted plot. 

The film Memento, uses interesting techniques to pull the viewer along through a diversely complicated, and thrilling plot. It’s main character, Leonard, is the first person narrator of the film. This choice allows the viewer to seemingly be inside the mind of the main character, presenting them with all of the twists, turns, and realizations Leonard is experiencing in present time. This idea seems very straight forward, however, Leonard suffers from anterograde amnesia, which fractures his memory and distorts his perspective of reality. This technique completely changes the way the viewer is able to perceive the film, as their only insight to reality is through a character whose perspective is distorted. 

In Adaptation, the narration style is somewhat different. While it is also first person narration, there are several differences in the way the characters are speaking in their head. Adaptation seems to focus more mainly on the way the characters perceive themselves. The information the viewers receive from the narrator is less crucial to the story’s resolution, and more important to the story’s build up of a rising action and climax. The information is more The similarity between the two stories are the characters inability to escape their own minds. Their thought process is not reflective of reality, and in turn it intentionally skews the viewers perspective. 

Halfway through the film Adaptation, the plot focus switches from the character Charlie, to the character Donald. This shift is unexpected and really exposes the film's metafiction style of writing. It’s unconventional, and alters what the viewer may have thought was a solid narrative structure. However, I believe this shift in character focus gives a unique perspective into the life of the two characters, and thickens the film’s resolution. Memento, has a less organized approach in it’s structuring, and this is intentional as it reflects the scattered mind of the main character. Memento, also includes the film noir style to add suspense and highlight Leonard’s delusion and violent tendencies. As described by Mark Cousins noir is a film styling that makes usage of dark shadowed shots, character archetypes, and is usually surrounded by scenes involving violence. 

The two films dive deeply into the minds and perspectives of their characters. This method builds their narrative structure, and allows them to manipulate viewers as the main characters/narrators are unreliable sources of reality. Adaptation, ropes in the viewers by presenting them with art visuals, real human emotion, and realistic settings and dialogue. Memento, however, thrills it’s viewers with the confusing physiological state of Leonard and a distorted perception of reality. In conclusion, these narrative structures compare and contrast with their similar unreliable characters, but vastly different forms of delivery.