Roland Barthes / Codes
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Roland Barthes
Barthes was a
French literary theorist, philosopher, semiotician and critic. He came up with
the theory of the codes, he said that texts can be unravelled into a wider
range of potential meanings. Different meanings can be found by viewing the
texts from different angles. Barthes said that texts can be open - left
unanswered, or closed - with all questions answered.
Enigma Code
Enigma codes
create questions which are then answered later in the film. For example if an
unknown character is shown the audience will be asking who she is and how she
is relevant to the story. The audience will continue to watch the film because
they want the answers to the these questions. Enigma codes can also intrigue
the audience to watch the whole film because they want to know the
ending.
Action Code
Action codes are significant events which move the narrative on in a particular direction. For example, a phone ringing or a knock at the door. Both actions are used to change the scene/narrative for specific reason but to also keep the narrative alive. They teach the audience new things, for example, something new about a character or possibly the plot itself. They give the audience needed information.
Semantic Code
A semantic code is anything in the film that adds additional meaning through connotation. For example if the color red is used a lot throughout a horror film then it might reinforce the theme of death.
Symbolic Code
Where new meaning arises out of opposing ideas. Similar to the semantic code however this arranges semantic meanings into broader and deeper meanings.
Cultural Code
This code relies on the audiences wider knowledge of culture, morality and history etc. For example if a character made a reference to world war two then the audience would be expected to have some knowledge about that subject.
Hermeneutic
code
This code drops subtle hints throughout the story instead of revealing all the facts, this helps to create mystery and suspense as well as keeping the audience interested.
This code drops subtle hints throughout the story instead of revealing all the facts, this helps to create mystery and suspense as well as keeping the audience interested.
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