Narratives

In todays lesson we did narrative. It isn't the story it's self, it's the telling of the story.
Roland Barthes theory
Hermeneutic/ Enigma Code
This code refers to mystery within a text. Clues are dropped, but not clear answers are given. Enigmas within the narrative make the audience want to know more.

Proairetic/Action code
This code contains sequential elements of action in text.

Semantic code
additional meanings. This code refers to parts within the text that suggests or refers to additional meanings. Elements of the semantic code is called Semes.

Symbolic Code
This code is about symbolism within the text. It exercises opposites to show contrast and create greater meaning , creating tension and drama.

Referential Code
This code refers to anything in the text which refers to an external body of knowledge such as scientific, historical and cultural knowledge.

Todorov Theory
Its starts with the equilibrium-state of normality

Disruption of equilibrium- a character or an action caused an affect which disturbs the state of equilibrium.

The main protagonist recognises that the equilibrium has been disrupted.

Restoration of equilibrium- the protagonist attempts to restore equilibrium.

New equilibrium- Equilibrium is restored, but transforms and changes (good, bad or neutral) have occurred from the original equilibrium.

Vladimir Propp Theory
His theory was that every movie has these character
1. The hero
2.The villain
3.The donor
4.The dispatcher
5.False hero
6.Helper
7.The princess (damsel in distress)
8.Her father


Prisoners opening scene Narrative work
Hermeneutic/Enigma code:
Why is the man having dinner by himself?
Why is the man sitting and waiting in his RV?
Why does the man try to dive away?
Why does he ram his RV into the trees?
why does the man hide in the RV?
Why can't the man follow the police officers instructions? does he have learning difficulty?
Why doesn't he answer the police officers? has he got a guilty conscience?

Action code:
Diving the RV into the tree's to scare the police officers.
Shouting at the villain instead of remaining calm(shows signings of anger).
The police aggressively detained the villain which shows intimidation.
The Police also pointed the torches in the villains eyes to intimidate him.

Semiotic/Symbolic code
By the man eating on thanks giving by himself (big American holiday) it shows that he is married to his job and his job is more important than family.
By him talking over the radio and using special codes, it gives us the impression that he is a police officer.
The main character is giving other police officers orders, this shows that he is of higher ranking than them.
The weather is dark, rainy and gloomy. This gives up the impression of mystery.
The rain also heightens the intensity of the scene.
The man in the RV is seen in the shadows of the RV. This shows that he is hiding something and there is an element of mystery behind him.
By the man trying to drive away it shows that he has something to hide.