Homework 4 (DYM): Film Opening Analysis - Roland Barthes' Codes

Enigma Code

• Who is the girl? Who is the boy?
• Where are they heading? What has happened previously? (they are drunk, so we presume some sort of beach party) 
• The girl runs into the water, and the serenity suggests that something big will happen next - tension and enigma is created whilst she swims along the horizon calmly
• High angle, under water shot accompanied by tense music - something is about to happen
• What has got the girl?

Action Code

• The girl and boy run along the beach, heading to somewhere which is not yet known to the viewer
• The woman takes her top off - we expect that she will go skinny dipping
• The man keeps stumbling as he tries to chase the woman - we presume that he will not catch her
• The man tries to undress himself, gives up, and lies down on the sand - he will not be able to save the girl
• Something in the water has got the girl - it is chasing her, not letting her go - what is it? This creates even more suspense - will the girl survive?

Semiotic Code

• The beach setting - usually symbolises holidays, fun, relaxation 
• Beautiful sunset - happiness, calm, serenity
• Girl is wearing gold hooped hearings; privileged, glamorous, girly
• The buoy - usually symbolises safety
• Dark lighting - creates a foreboding atmosphere - suggests that something is going to happen

Cultural Code

• The idea of skinny dipping - fun thing to do, usually by young people
• They are drunk
• The beach setting; beautiful coast and sunset, typically a place of relaxation
• Shark attack
• The girl screams; typical sound effect in a horror movie
• Silence at the end - when a big, scary even occurs, it is usually followed by silence 

Symbolic Code

• Themes of eagerness (at the start) 
• As the girl flails around in the sea, she is desperate for help - she is alone and helpless
• A sense of foreboding (the grey clouds)
• Danger (built up by tense music)