Homework DYM: Roland Barthes' Five Codes

Clip from Diamonds Are Forever (1971, Sean Connery) 0.22-1.31

Enigma Code:

• Where are we? Setting, country etc.
• Who is the man in black? And who is kicking him? Why/what is their connection?
• Why is this man looking for Blofeld? Who is he? 
• Character reveal at 1.07- enigma is over and cannot be reversed. 
• What connection does the woman have to Blofeld? 

Action Code:

• Man is thrown through a wall, lands on the floor- we predict he will try to get to his feet and the person who did it might appear.
• Same man is kicked in the face- he should be severely injured, hurt or tired by now? We think he will give up and be defeated. 
• Cards are dealt in casino- a game will be played and gambling will take place.  
• Man punched in face- he could possibly be beat up some more, maybe similarly to the previous man in black. 
• Bond reaches to undo woman's bikini top- we suspect for romantic purposes.

Semiotic Code: 

• 0.24: stereotypical Japanese room. Connotes the whole of Japan, Japanese culture and its people. Abroad, foreign. 
• Men in suits/smartly dressed: power, authority, position of importance.
• Casino: represents wealth and power, also glamour and possibly greed, deceit, trouble and cheating. 
• Constant physical fighting shows action. 
• Beach-like setting with attractive woman in bikini: symbolises relaxation, 'living the good life', suggests we are at an exotic location or holiday destination. 

Cultural Code: 

• We may not have been to Japan but the room and its objects are what we have seen previously to represent the country and it is what we expect it to be like. 
• Fight scenes, one man will win while other looses. 
• 'Man on a mission' will not stop at any costs. 
• Dramatic music highlights dramatic moments- each kick and punch and throw. 
• 'Bond, James Bond' famous catchphrase. Associated with the iconic character. 

Symbolic Code: 

• Looking for something/someone, themes of adventure and mystery.
• Good vs. Evil?
• The man could be beating these people up for personal gain, or for goodwill. Is it greedy and selfish or morally right? 
• Action theme- fights.
• Calm setting at the start contrasts to the havoc which enters it shortly.