Here is the definitions and examples of different narrative codes. Some examples are from my groups own production to let a few hints out about the opening which is soon to be out.
2. Action Code
An action code is when the actors in a film help the audience
understand the narrative of the film better. The audience will visualise
an action code in a media text, it will help them figure out the following
step in the sequence. The end product being that it helps advance the
narrative.
An example of this is a football player in a film placing the ball down on
the penalty spot, indicating that they are going to then kick the ball and
take the penalty.
An example of this in my own production is when the protagonist
stops, looks back and then indicating that he will carry on walking.
3. Mystery/Enigma Code
Is a question that is not immediately answered and thus draws an audience
into a text, this is usually done by setting a scene where the actors have a
problem in which leads to a tense moment (grabbing the audience’s attention)
but then gets resolved during the course of the narrative.
An example of this is a body being discovered at the beginning of a TV
detective drama. The killers identity is a mystery/enigma. The audience then
watches on to find out who the killer is.
An example of this in my own production is the notebook being written into,
the audience may or may not find out what is written inside.
4. Semic Code
The semic code is when the connotations in a narrative relating to characters,
settings, objects, or themes. This then tells the audience about its narratives and
characters as well as the location, themes and objects.
An example of this would be in a horror comedy zombie film where the humans
would have a fear of being eaten by a zombie or being bitten.
An example of this in my production is the protagonist fearing that he is being
followed.
5. Cultural Code
This is when symbols and systems of meaning that are relevant to members of a
particular culture or subculture. These can help the communication between the
audience and the film because it gives off information which can be seen and
understood.
An example this is American muscle cars in Fast and Furious symbol ling that they
are from America.
An example of this in my production is the location where it is mainly woodland and
partially sunny.
6. Code of Opposition
This is a pair of related concepts or items that have opposite meanings, an example of this would be;
Man vs Woman; Strong vs Weak; Black vs White.
In our group the code of opposition refers to Strong vs Weak because the protagonist is classed as
mentally disabled therefore seeming weak whilst his potential imaginative thoughts are seen as being
stronger.
