2. Visual Code
• The opening of Donnie Darko is kept very
simplistic in order to reflect the grounded
characters and setting that is trying to be
accomplished. Natural lighting is mainly used and
despite the genre, there are no typical sci-fi props
present within the opening. The costumes are
kept simple to show that the main character is a
standard teenager. Slow motion shots and
moments in the opening also add to the
mysterious vibes presented in the scene.
3. Audio Code
• The opening mainly features a song being
played in the background. The song is
effective as it is able to give the opening a
mysterious vibe due to the instruments and
lyrics that are included.
4. Narrative Code
• We are introduced to Donnie as he wakes up
in the middle of a random location. We then
see him as he begins to bike back home. He
bikes through the neighborhood and we are
introduced to some important characters
along the way. The opening ends when he
arrives home.
5. Technical Code
• Many landscape shots are used in the biking
scenes in order to show that the location is
very out of the ordinary and leads audiences
to ask why he is there. Characters are also
highlighted using slow-motion shots that
cause them to appear suspicious.
6. Enigma Code
• A number of questions are raised during the
opening. One of the questions that are raised
is actually presented on the side of the fridge,
‘where is Donnie’ is a running question
throughout the film.
8. Visual Code
• We are given a forest location with a girl
hunting a deer. This is interesting because the
original tone and use of a bow as a prop
causes the opening to appear to have an old
setting, which is typically uncommon for a sci-fi
film.
9. Audio Code
• The audio is kept simple and mainly includes a
simple background song that has a calming
tone. This allows the audience to become
immersed as she patiently stalks the deer. The
simple sounds also give the effect of
loneliness and isolation within the forest.
10. Narrative Code
• We are introduced to a girl who is alone in the
forest as she begins to stalk a deer through
the forest. She patiently waits after each
attempt until she finally has a shot that she is
about to take that is ruined by another
character that enters the scene.
11. Technical Code
• Quick cuts between camera shots are used to
reflect the tension of the shot that she is
trying to take and the quick movements of the
deer.
12. Enigma Code
• The main question that is raised by the
opening is how can they blend the sci-fi genre
into the themes that are used throughout.
How will the use of traditional bow weaponry
be used in the sci-fi genre.
14. Visual Code
• Throughout the scenes we can see many
props and themes that can be associated with
the sci-fi genre. Instead of traditional
weapons, lasers are used and instead of
everyday vehicles, spaceships are used.
15. Audio Code
• Synchronous sounds can be heard throughout
as we can hear lasers firing from guns along
with spaceships flying through space. A score
can be heard throughout that is used to build
tension within the scene.
16. Narrative Code
• The scene starts with one ship being attacked
by another. The storm troopers can be seen
invading the rebel ship and kill all people on
board. Once the place has been cleared Darth
Vader walks aboard.
17. Technical Code
• A number of quick shots are used with close-ups
and reaction shots in order to build up
tension and suspense within the scene. The
use of extreme long-shots of planets and
spaceships help to show the audience the
genre of the film.
18. Enigma Code
• Throughout the scene a number of questions
are raised. Why has the ship invaded the other
ship? and why is there such a focus on Darth
Vader’s character?
