Applying Theory of Roland Barthes

Roland Barthes was initially a structuralist thinker but as times changed, Barthes changed his ideas in relation to narrative theory. He proposed that all stories use the same 5 codes and that all genre signifiers can be grouped under them to create narrative.

Action code: depicts the events which take place in the narrative- the who, where, when of the story
Semantic code: Refers to character and characterisation. The actions in the story are explained by the charater's viewpoint on events.
Enigma cose: Involves the setting up of a mystery, its development and its resolution
Referential code: involves explaining or informing.
Symbolic code: involes the reading of the connotations of signs which transforms them into symbolic representations


Phonebooth


Action Code:
who - introduced to main character - Stu
where - New York City (use of establishing shots and text) busy, loud
when - present day, contemporary
Semantic Code:
Middle aged man - Stu
Publicist - smart suit
Confident, cocky and arrogant - tell from the way he talks and treats friend/employee
Enigma Code:
Mystery with phone, everyone on phone and title of film suggests phones play important role
Mystery of who is on the end of the line when Stu answers
Referential Code:
voiceover and introductions inform
morning - start of long day ahead
new york - busy, chaotic - could lead to trouble?
Symbolic Code:
Character symbolises arrogance
Phones symbolise connections/distractions