Barthes' theory states that texts can have multiple meanings and entries rather than a single authoritative one. A text can be "unraveled" through different perspectives to create new meanings. Barthes categorized texts as either "open" or "closed," with open texts allowing for unraveling and multiple meanings. He identified five codes that can be present in narratives: the action code, enigma code, symbolic code, cultural code, and semantic code. The document discusses how the opening of the film Se7en links to Barthes' theory through its use of codes like the enigma code, symbolic code, and cultural code to build tension and leave the audience questioning.

1. Barthes Theory

2. Barthes’ said that: a text had no beginning, that it is
reversible, we can gain access to it by many entrances
(none can be authoritatively declared to be the main
one), it can be indeterminable.
Text needs to be unravelled
Unravelling can lead to several potential meanings
We can look at text from one perspective and create one
meaning
You can continue by unravelling the narrative from a range
of angles and create new meanings
Meaning

3. Barthes said texts can be:
‘OPEN’ or ‘CLOSED’
(they can be unravelled) (only one obvious thread in the story)

4. Barthes then narrowed down this to Five Codes
which can be present in any narrative:
The Action Code – resolution is produced through action
e.g. battle
The Enigma Code – where tension is built up and
audience left questioning
The Symbolic Code – new meaning comes from conflicts/
opposing ideas
The Cultural Code – looks at the audience’s wider cultural
knowledge/morality/and ideology
The Semantic Code – story has an additional
meaning/underlying connotation

5. {
Se7en opening
sequence – link to
baths theory
Action
A person( unidentified)
Preparing a document Referential
Religion
Biblical – 7 sins
Morals
Character viewed himself to be
an angel
Semic
Pictures
Cut his fingertips to
remove fingerprints
Sewing
Book
Recording data
Enigma
Who were the people?
Who should they be looking
for?
What is the writing about?
Who was that person?
Symbolic
Preparation/planning (fingertips
removed)
Journal confused/ distorted
Precision in planning (sewing)
The films seems to portray a man who
has numerous targets and sets up
method to remove them from existence

6. How this theory links to our movie
Our film does follow Baths’ theory as our short film will
attempt to use the enigma code. We want the audience to
be left the edge of their seats and for them to be
questioning everything that occurs within our film
immediately after the tension is built up.