This presentation analyzes how Barthes' code is used in the film Fish Tank. It provides three examples from a scene in the film that illustrate different types of Barthes' codes, including two examples of enigma codes where the audience is left with unanswered questions about what is happening, and one example of an action code where the audience expects a logical reaction to the protagonist's action of throwing a stone at a window.

1. Fish TankBarthes codeEnigmas This presentationn will look at how Barthes’ code is used in the film Fish Tank.

2. Barthes’ Code

3. Fish Tank - Barthes code - enigmasThis particular scene leaves the audience asking a variety of questions such as "Why is she breathing so heavily?", "What has happened to her to make her be like this?". According to Barthes this would be an example of an enigma code as the viewers are questioning what is happening in the scene.

4. This scene also sparks questions in viewers minds, such as: "Who is Keeley?", "What has the main character done to be apologizing to Keeley for?" We also wonder why she is so angry and panicked. This is also an example of enigma codes.

5. This scene shows an example of an action code as we see the protagonist throw a stone at someone’s window. This leaves us thinking the homeowner will come out of their house and be angry, as the audience would think this is a suitable action to follow the previous one.

6. A little further on in this scene, the protagonist swears at the homeowner and shouts abuse at him. The audience expects the man to react by shouting back and becoming even more irritated. This is another example of an action code.