Barthes's 5 Codes
Barthes argued that signifiers could be grouped into five codes that could be weaved together to form a story.
Hermeneutic Codes (HER) When a writer deliberately withholds information to keep the audience engaged. Also known as enigma codes
Proairetic Codes (ACT) Plot points that are caused by previous events that lead to other actions. Also known as Action codes
Semantic Codes (SEM) Some codes have a 'flicker of meaning'. They go deeper than the denotation and gives insight into the characters/setting/plot.
Symbolic Codes (SYM) Thematic or structural devices aided by binary opposites. They help to emphasise the difference between what is being represented.
Cultural Codes (REF) The audience needs a framework of knowledge in order to decode all of the signifiers correctly. These can differ between cultures, groups, ages etc. Also known as reference codes.
Case Study: What we do in the Shadows
HER
What is in the letter?
Who is the Baron?
Why is Colin (energy vampire) not wearing the same clothes as the others? and why is he so disliked?
ACT
They receive a letter > The Baron is coming > They need a sacrifice (virgins) > Guillermo goes to the park to find LARPers > They come to the house > They wait in the room > Colin drains them of their energy first
(This is just one sub plot)
SEM
Dark house - This fits the genre conventions that we would expect from a vampire film. The darkness fills us with unease, terror.
Victorian clothes - emphasises that the vampires are of a different time. They look old fashioned, out of place.
Blood - Again fits the conventions of a horror movie (which are subverted throughout the episode).
Organ Music - Eerie underscore throughout the episode adding to the sense of unease. It is a very simple sound using only one or two slow tones but it is enough to feel spooky/chilling.
SYM
The constant juxtaposing of their old fashioned clothes, home, behaviours etc against the modern world. The theme for the show is that these people don't belong and are trying to keep their identity whilst adapting to a changing world. It is a fish-out-of-water tale. The binary opposites that aide this are old fashioned vs modernity.
REF
Western concept of vampires, Dracula, Twilight, Interview with a vampire, mockumentaries as a genre (and in fact regular documentaries)
An audience must have prior knowledge to these ideas/texts in order to appreciate the show and understand a lot of the humour involved
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