Barthes Narrative Codes

Action Code

The first code is the Action code , this is used to indicate what is the next logical step. It gives an insight into what is going to happen next and implies some sort of action is about to happen, E.g the cocking of a gun indicates a gunfight. We did use the action code in our preliminary task right at the beginning of our clip. There was a character being chased through the woods and we saw a black figure run behind him , then the camera cut out . This implied the character was going to be killed. Although I do personally believe we could have used more action codes in our clip which followed through , as we didn't actually see what happened to the character. I do not think our clip would have been more effective if we used more action codes as it was supposed to suspend the audience and it was only an opening . If we had shown what happened to the character it would have ruined the suspense. Although it is not very obvious you can see the figure dressed in black in the background of our clip. This is what implies action as he is running towards the character.



Mystery code or Enigma code

This code is used to explain narrative by controlling what and how much information is given to the audience, It grabs the audiences interest and attention by setting up an enigma or problem that is resolved during the course of the narrative ,For example; someone's murderous hand in the opening sequence, who does it belong too? . We used the mystery code in our group as in the beginning the character is being chased through a wood by a figure dressed in black, the audience do not know why this is happening and they want to know. Therefore this gives a sense of mystery , I think we used it quite effectively as it entices the audience to keep watching.


The semic code

This code is all about signs and symbols in a text or clip that tell us about its narrative and characters. For example; in a horror film supernatural events would be signified by fear of light/ garlic to signify a vampire. We didn't include the semic code in our clip ,  Although I think it would have been an effective method to entice the audience .

The cultural code

This code is used in order for the narrative to make sense to a culturally and socially aware audience. It makes reference to elements of the real world that the audience recognises for example Aston Martins and Martinis in the James Bond films. Unfortunately we didn't include the cultural code in our preliminary task . I think we should have included it as it causes the audience if multicultural to relate to the film.

Code of oppositions

This code refers to narrative that relies on binary opposites for example ; black v white, hot v cold. We did use this code in our preliminary task as in the beginning of the clip it shows the character wearing quite bright clothing and the villain  who is completely dressed in black . This makes it obvious to the audience that he is the villain and he is going to hurt the character in some way.