The document discusses several codes used in film and narrative: the cultural/referential code which refers to existing knowledge audiences bring; the semantic code which involves additional meanings and connotations; the symbolic code which organizes semantic meanings into deeper concepts using opposites; the enigma code which refers to unexplained mysteries that keep audiences guessing; and the action code which builds tension through sequential events leaving audiences wondering what will happen next. These codes are tools directors rely on to make their narratives comprehensible and engaging for audiences.

2. The Cultural (Referential)
Code
This code refers to any external body of knowledge
held by the audience.
Directors rely on the having this existing knowledge
in order for them to make sense of the text.
This usually involves either science or religion,
although other banks of knowledge, such as magical
truths, may be used in fantasy stories.

3. The Semantic Code
This code refers to connotations (additional
meanings beyond the literal) within the narrative that
give additional meaning to the basic denotative
meaning of the text.

4. The Symbolic Code
This is very similar to the semantic code, but acts at
a wider level, organizing semantic meanings into
broader and deeper sets of meaning.
This is typically done in the use of opposites, where
new meaning arises out of opposing and conflict
ideas.

5. The Enigma Code
The Enigma Code refers to any element of the story
that is not fully explained and hence becomes a
mystery to the reader.
The purpose of the director in this is typically to keep
the audience guessing, arresting the enigma, until
the final scenes when all is revealed and all loose
ends are tied off and closure is achieved.
Unanswered enigmas can be frustrating for the
audience.

6. The Action Code
The Action Code builds tension. It refers to any
sequential action or events that indicate something
else is going to happen, and which hence gets the
viewer guessing as to what will happen next.
This code works with the hermeneutic code to
develop the tension in the story and keeps the
viewers interested.