Roland Barthes- Enigma code

Barthes’ Enigma Code is a theory that suggests a text (whether that be television, film, a poster etc) portrays a mystery to draw an audience in, pose questions and, as such, become intrigued in the piece. For instance, a murder mystery until the end of the story, which poses the question “Who is the murderer?” Our film doesn’t stick to the typical structure of films that utilises the enigma code. Barthes’ Enigma Code is a theory that suggests a text (whether that be television, film, a poster etc) portrays a mystery to draw an audience in, pose questions and, as such, become intrigued in the piece. For instance, a murder mystery until the end of the story, which poses the question “Who is the murderer?” Our film doesn’t stick to the typical structure of films that utilises the enigma code. The image within is some textbook research about typical gender-based characters in narrative theory and enigma codes. We used this in order to compare examples of well known female characters that were dominant on screen.

Evidence of enigma codes in social realism films Social realism focuses predominantly on characterisation, meaning that the enigma codes that arise often revolve around the personality of characters. Some examples of popular enigma codes in social realism films are:- The audience is often left to wonder why characters behave in a certain way..Can certain characters be trusted? As characters in social realism films are involved in crime or anti/social behaviour,the audience is often left to decide whether or not a character is a protagonist or an antagonist, until this is blatantly addressed in the film.- An example of this is Somers Town. The character of Tomo is very polite for someone his age. His politeness makes the audience assume he is the protagonist, but his behaviour which is not typical of his age and the fact that he is the main character (so is likely to become involved in the social issues mentioned above) also makes the audience feel hecould be the antagonist.- In addition to character behaviour, the audience is often left to question character choices and the decisions they make. For example, why do characters allow themselves to be swept away by the issues that they face? Why do they not escape when if or when they have the chance?