Barthes - The 5 Codes

 

Barthes - The 5 Codes

According to Barthes there a 5 Five codes for signifiers that together makes up a story. 

Signifiers: A Symbol, Image, Sound or anything that can be used to represent a meaning. 

Hermeneutic Code 'HER' : Enigma Codes, Leaves you asking questions.

Proairetic Code 'ACT' :   Actions Codes,  Actions that leads to next actions that advances the plot forward. 

Semantic Code 'SEM' : .Codes that have a Flicker of meaning that can give us a more in depth meaning to the setting, characters and plot. 

Symbolic Code 'SYM' :  Symbolic Codes, Two contrasting signs that help emphasize the tension within the film.

Cultural Code 'REF' : Reference  Code, A Base of Knowledge that the audience can use as reference to decode the signifiers  usually a piece of information that is popular based on different cultures, genders, groups and etc. 

Case Study - 'Midway a 2019 Film'

HER: 

Why are there planes attacking Pearl Harbor?

Who's Attacking Pearl Harbor?

Why are the Americans losing so many casualties?

What's the Big operation that the Japanese are planning?

ACT 

The Japanese attacks Pearl Harbor > The Americans declares war with Japan and Fought back > The Japanese begin planning a massive operation in Midway > The American learns about this and develops its plan > Both sides fight but America ultimately wins

SEM 

Tight Spaces - It feels claustrophobic and cramped, like there's not much places to go and it feels mildly uncomfortable, especially for people who's not used to it. But it also serves a a reminder that were on a ship, a War ship, where Comfortableness is one of the least of concerns.  

Military Uniforms - Its war a film, its the least that you could expect. Although, this film focuses more on Naval uniforms, which again reminds us that the main focus of this film would be at sea. 

Old Designs - The planes and ships are nowhere near as modern and slick as the present day versions but it does help us remember that this is a Ww2 Film, No Jet Engines, no missiles, no nuclear powered generators. 

The Sound of War -  Its a war film, its meant to show action, fighting as well as the ferociousness and deadliness of War. 

SYM 

The Japanese are always portrayed to be honorable, full of pride, in order , organized and neat, their officers would stand guard, ready for every order. While the Americans are portrayed to be more relaxed but also concerned, sometimes they would question whether they'd be able to defeat the Japanese who were in a much better position than them. The Americans were the underdogs of this film, which I could assume to be Weak vs Strong. 

REF 

To understand the story better, knowing about the events of World War 2 Help quite a lot. Historically, The Japanese were very brave, honor bound and  hard workers while the American were very underequipped during that time of the War.  but that doesn't really matter to much compared to the doctrines, tactics and strategies that were used. 

A person with Naval warfare knowledge or even experience, would've a appreciated the movie a lot more than a regular person, as they can understand the tactics and strategies being used.