Narrative
Codes are the ways in which the story is put
together and how the sequence structure propels the film narrative forward.
Symbolic
and codes are
signs embedded within the text itself which have strong associative or
connotative meanings. Symbolic codes include objects, set design, body language,
lighting, dialogue, sound effects, music, choice of language.
Representational codes refer to the thinking behind the film
creates a representation of reality and creates meaning. Weir’s auteur director
style is included in terms of filmic vision.
Technical
codes relate to the professional craftsmanship, and
techniques of construction. Technical codes include framing, composition or mis en scene, shot and angle type,
lighting, special effects, editing, camera movement, fades and cuts and words
on the screen.
Audio
codes refer to the way in which sound, both diagetic and
non-diagetic, adds another dimension to the film through dialogue, music and
sound effects.
“As students
view a film, we want them to pay special attention to those areas of the film
we consider
important and to draw conclusions from their experience with the film. Only
then does a
passive viewer become active; for by thinking about the film’s content, the
student is interacting with the film.” Resch and Schnicker
