Media theory integration

     For my project I want to include a couple of different theories but in this post I'm just going to focus on Ronald Barthes Hermeneutic or Enigma code. This will be prevalent in my portfolio project because before anything it needs to be an opening that, in theory would happen right before a movie. This means that everything happening in my project is to help the audience understand and become invested in the story to come. 

Research: 

    Enigma code creates questions that the audience wants answers for throughout the movie. They can be placed in the openings of films to create tension and hook the audience. They are a big part of the mystery genre, but can be used in any genre as long as they work with the story. 

    This code can also help the narrative move forward, audiences want to know what's going to happen next because they don't have the full picture yet. Although withholding information can be a very good strategy to keep the audience engaged, there should be foreshadowing and partial answers sprinkled throughout the story.

    While researching I found this cool diagram that provides context to how Ronald Barthes' codes work together to showcase values and ideas presented in a piece of media. I wanted to comment on how enigmas are a big part of it but should be used with a lot of consideration. An example of where enigma codes should be used with greater abundance would be mystery. The entire point is to create suspense, but for the drama genre one enigma that drives the story forward and keeps the audience guessing should be sufficient.

Example:

    One movie that uses Enigma code well is "Inception" (2010). The subject of the enigma is the code (528491), it appears multiple times in the movie and the audience doesn't know what means or what it will do. This leaves them wondering about this sequence of numbers the entire movie. There are clues to what it could do or mean, like when it shows up as hotel rooms, but the audience can't tell anything for sure. Finally the audience finds out what the numbers mean and they add to the story by acting as a way to showcase just how much these characters can influence the minds of others. 

Inception (2010)

Conclusions:

    One way I plan to integrate Enigma code into my opening is by making it clear that the two main characters (the sisters) have grown apart throughout the years but not tell the audience why. I want them to finish the opening wondering what happened and why they're so distant now. I can accomplish this by juxtaposing the playful and childlike audio from when they were kids, to the silence and stiffness now. I don't want the enigma to be resolved during the opening. I need to keep in mind that even though I'm only creating the opening for the project, there is a whole movie after it and I think that it would make more sense if the audience found out what happened to the sisters' relationship at the climax of the movie. I also believe its important for my story, and especially this opening to touch on one enigma because the main hook is supposed to be the tension between the characters, not resolving a mystery.

Media Studies. (n.d.). Action enigma codes. https://media-studies.com/action-enigma-codes/

Changing Minds. (n.d.). Hermeneutic code. https://changingminds.org/disciplines/storytelling/devices/hermeneutic_code.htm

Enigma code [Slide presentation]. (n.d.). SlideShare. https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/enigma-code/10069933

Psak, A. (n.d.). Unveiling the subconscious: The art and appeal of the enigmatic narrative. https://antonpsak.com/unveiling-the-subconscious-the-art-and-appeal-of-the-enigmatic-narrative/

Media Studies. (n.d.). Barthes’ codes. https://media-studies.com/barthes-codes/

Codes. (n.d.). Kairos. https://kairos.technorhetoric.net/stasis/2023/ulmer/diagrams/codes.html