Black-and-White vs. Color
Nolan shoots the chronological scenes in black-and-white, a storyline that runs in reverse parallel to the backward chronology of the scenes shot in color. The visual distinction helps us to learn more about Leonard and his life without confusing us with the main storyline. It serves to establish some exposition and zoom in on Leonard's character, while also keeping track of the complicated timelines.
Late-Night Confessions
Leonard is in Natalie's bed as she is asleep. He talks about how he can't remember how long his wife has been dead. Nolan does a slow push into a close-up on Leonard and the imagery shows us that we are gaining access to Leonard's interior life in a private moment.
Slasher Cuts
Nolan uses quick slashing close-up cuts of Leonard's wife being raped and murdered. The imagery along with the slashing quality of sounds from the soundtrack creates a horror feeling for the viewer, which heightens the traumatic quality of the memory and aligns us with Leonard. It gives the sense that we are witnessing his own trauma.
Into the Fire
Leonard places his wife's objects in a fire in order to burn them at her gravesite. Leonard sits in front of the fire and throws various items in, attempting to move on from his wife's murder and experience some closure, even though that is impossible with his condition.
