Hermeneutic Codes

 Our next task for our portfolio project is to research a media theory that we want to use and integrate into or film opening. One theory that stood out to me was the Hermeneutic Codes by Roland Barthes.

The Hermeneutic Code is essentially the "mystery mechanic" of a story. It works by creating a gap between a question being asked and the answer being revealed. Instead of giving the audience all the facts at once, they give "enigma codes" which are a narrative technique used so the audience can keep guessing on what is happening or what is going to happen without knowing everything right away. By intentionally not showing the truth or providing "snares", this helps build suspense and keep the audience engaged on what is going to happen which makes them want to keep watching the film..

In my film opening, I can use this code to relate the line between reality and grief. For example, if the audience sees the daughter talking with the sister seeming completely normal before noticing a "snare" keeps the audience thinking everything is normal. The turning point would happen when the dad walks in and sees his daughter talking to nobody revealing to the audience that the sister isn't actually there. 

Researching this media theory can help better develop the plot of the film and will be able to help keep the audience engaged as the film goes on.