Barthes Theory: Donnie Darko

Roland Barthes Theory focuses around a number of set codes which he proposed are linked together in the production of all kinds of stories. There he postulated that all stories use the same 5 codes and that all genre signifier can be grouped under them to create narrative.

The 5 codes
1. Action code: depicts the events which take place in the narrative - the who, where, when of the story. Action codes are sequential.
2. Semantic code: refers to character and characterisation. The actions in the story are explained by the characters viewpoint on events.
3. Enigma code: involves the setting up of a mystery, its development and resolution.
4. Referential code: involves explaining of information. Mise-en-scene is a referential code.
5. Symbolic code: involves the reading of the connotations of signs which transform them into symbolic representations.


Action Codes:

Main character wakes up in the middle of nowhere
He cycles back to his house
He has dinner with his family which breaks into an argument
At night he sleepwalks out of his house
He sees a creature which tells him how long it is until the end of the world
A plane engine crashes into his house

Engima codes:

Why has the main character woken up in the middle of nowhere?
Why do his family appear to be frustrated with him?
Why has he sleepwalked towards a creature who tells him about the end of the world?
Why is the world ending?
How is he the only one who finds this creature?
How did a plane engine end up in his house?

Symbolic Codes:

The main characters lack of speech represents mystery and his inability to understand what is happening
The plane engine that crashes into the house is microcosm for the destruction of the world that is soon to come

Analysis of opening sequences

i) What forms can opening sequences take? Can you list the conventional features of opening sequences?

Opening sequences always take on a different form. They are each unique and relevant to the film they are trying to introduce. Some work better than others but they all stick to the same conventions in order to achieve the desired effect. The main conventions of opening sequences are as follows:

Characters - The main characters are usually always introduced in an opening sequences. The hero/heroine is usually focused on more than any other character in order for the audience to connect with them. Details about the main character are established that will hint on events that may happen later in the film.

Setting - A wide establishing shot is usually the first thing seen in an opening sequence in order to establish the setting of the film. This is extremely important so the audience can can be drawn into the film. It also can give a massive hint to the genre of the film.

Plot - A key feature of an opening sequence is to introduce what may happen in the narrative of a film. Hints have to be made throughout to start get the audience guessing to as what may happen later in the film. This makes the audience hooked and makes them stay to watch the entirety of the film which is probably the main function of an opening sequence.


ii) What narrative functions of opening sequences can you identify?

Functions of an opening sequence:

• Establish main characters
• Establish genre
• To hook the audience
• Give hints to what may happen later in the film
• Establish the equilibrium at the beginning of the film

iii) What do audiences gain from watching the opening sequence?

Audiences gain many things from watching an opening sequence. The first is a general idea of what the film is about. This includes the genre of the film and an audience member will easily be able tell if they are going to enjoy the film or not. A second gain from watching an opening sequence is for the audience to start relating to the characters. Emotional links should be made between the two so the audience can relate to the hero/heroines actions. Audiences also gain the ability to guess what may happen later in the film. This is key because they need to have something to look forward to/be scared of later in the film.

iv) What do film-makers gain from including an opening sequence?
From including an opening sequence the film maker gains the ability to hook the audience to their film in a short space of time. This makes the audience consume the entirety of the text and therefore film makers have achieved what they aim to do. Without an interesting opening the audience may quickly get bored and not watch a film leading to low ratings for the film and poor reviews from critics.

Levi-Strauss theory applied to 'Pale Rider' and 'Die Hard'

Pale Rider

Levi-Strauss stated that elements which give meaning in a story will be typically organised into binary opposites. Within this opening sequence there are many opposites relevant to the story which become apparent.

Villains/Village Folk: The villains are shown galloping mercilessly towards the village while the village folk are shown in a peaceful village area.
Conflict/Calm: Calm exists at the begining of the sequence but is then broken as the villains raid the village. During the conflict period there is chaos and panic and this opposite becomes very strong
Loud/Quiet: The villains are shown surrounded by noise as they gallop towards the village and the village folk are in a peaceful quiet area representing their innocence.
Dark/White horses: Villains have dark horses showing the darkness inside the, and the village folk have white horses showing their peace.
Safety/Danger: Safety is shown to be within the tranquility of their lives and danger is shown as the man enters the town in which he is made to leave
Miracles/Doubt: Girl is shown to be praying for a miracle which suggests something may happen, yet there is a lot of hope being lost due to how they seem to be suffering
Lone man/Group: When the man leaves his group he is shown to be in danger and he is shown to be safer when they are in a whole village group

Die Hard
Together/Apart: Woman and Husband shown to be constantly apart and just as they come together danger begins to form
Safety/Danger: Characters think they have safety but it is suddenly taken away from them which creates excitement in the narrative plot
California/New York: Main character seems to be comfortable in his home town of New York and as he enters California danger begins to emerge
Victims/Villains: Made very apparent from the beginning as the unsuspecting victims are trapped by villains
Life/Death: Victims will be fighting for life while the villains bring death