The use of the non-linear narrative and reversing of time disrupts the sense of continuity which make the perception of reality confused and not immediately perceptible. Also the use of string instruments through the theme music creates a unstable and builds tension because string instruments are built around the tension of their strings which can give them a very sharp and long sound.
The use of the panning from his point of view of the empty room helps us to identify with the main character because we are able to see through his eye. This also establishes location.
During this you are able to hear the voice of the protagonist through the use of a voiceover; this is used as a stream of consciousness to give you an insight into the psyche of the protagonist: An unstable, lonely and in a confused state which shows us that he is an unreliable and unpredictable narrator yet we are invited to identify with him.
Also one of the classic thriller conventions is that the thriller is based around a crime or a series of crimes and "Memento" links to this through the murder in the first scene.
The mise en scene show use the writing on his hand and shows us his Achilles heel, being his inability to create new memories, which makes him use his body as a notebook to remember important information. This fault makes him vulnerable to manipulation and also heartless and dangerous because he feels no remorse because he has a dual identity which enables him to kill without care or memory of his actions. Also this shot shows us that to aid his memory he also has to take polaroid pictures and keep them as mementoes of different situations he comes across, e.g the murder shown in this polaroid.
All these different conventions help to create a feeling of suspense and tension, done through subtle techniques.
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