Media Theory research

Hey everyone! In this blog post I will be talking about media theories and some ways that I can incorporate them into my project. 

I used a Media theory sheet that my teacher gave us in class to do my research and choose the media theory that I would like to use in my opening. Here are the pictures of the handout sheets: 

One media theory I want to use in my film opening is Roland Barthes’ theory: Enigma Code. This theory is about creating mystery by not explaining everything to the audience. Instead of giving clear answers, the film leaves questions and makes the audience feel confused so that it makes them want to keep watching to find out more. 

In my film opening, the Enigma Code will be used by keeping important information hidden. In the beginning of the film, the audience can see a mysterious folder with the FBI symbol on the desk with a file inside that folder containing a crime report and a case number with a blurred picture of a woman. However, we don’t know who this woman is yet, but it hints at the audience that she is probably the criminal that committed the crime they are trying to solve. Still, we don’t know her motivation and who she is, but by using this theory, it gives us the idea that she is dangerous and that she will be important for the rest of the story. Also after that, the scientist is working on a DNA test, but we still don’t know who does the DNA belongs to either (until the last scene of the opening).

Also, in one of the last scenes of my opening, the scientist says “I found her” and this part also uses the Enigma Code. The word “her” is very unclear, because we don’t know who this girl is, whether is the criminal or the victim, which makes the audience wonder who is her and why is she important.

By using the Enigma Code, it helps my film opening feel more suspenseful because it leaves questions unanswered and the audience becomes more interested in the story and wants to continue watching to understand the mystery. At least this is what keeps me engaged in suspense/thriller movies and I hope it creates the same effect in my opening!