Barthes

The French theorist Roland Barthes thought up 5 key codes for film, which are vital to create a successful narrative. They are as follows:

Action Code
This is where the audience predicts the next logical step in the scene, due to the key point which happened before it.
For example, in my preliminary task we filmed a shot where the drug dealer opened the door to reveal the drug addict sat there nervously. The next logical step that the audience would presume is going to happen is that they are going to engage in conversation.

Enigma Code
This code is used to explain the narrative by setting up a point of interest which starts off with the audience unaware what it is, but ends up being resolved during the film.
For example, we had the drug dealer keep his hood up over his face, so the audience were unaware of whom he was, but this got solved when he met the addict, and pulled the hood down.

 

Semic Code
This code uses signs and meanings that tells us about the narrative and it's characters.
For example the drug dealer carries a bag which symbolises that he has something worthwhile he is carrying.

 

Cultural Code
The cultural code is used in order for the narrative to make reference to social and cultural aspects of real life, and relatable to the audience.
For example the drug dealer carries a tattered bag and is in a hoody, this suggests lack of money or that he is lower class.

Code of Oppositions
The Code of Operations is where a narrative relies on binary opposites. Examples of this are black vs. white, male vs. female, nature vs. civilisation.
We did not have an example of this in our preliminary task.