Barthes' Theory on Narrative Structure (Peeping Tom)

Barthes' theory says that text can be broken down and grouped by 5 different codes; the Enigma Code; the Action Code; the Semiotic Code; the Cultural Code; and the Symbolic Code. The most important of these to me and my coursework are the Enigma or Hermeneutic Code and the Action or Proairectic Code which I will apply to the opening of Peeping Tom below:

Examples of the Enigma Code:

• The majority of the opening sequence is shot from the killer's Point of View so we don't know who he is or what he looks like.
• This opening does not really establish the context of the film or setting, the audience only gathers that it's set in England because of the dialogue.
• The motive for killing the prostitute is not known by the audience at the beginning of the film (although we find out later on).
• The physical location is very dark so it remains a mystery where exactly this is and what else is in the location.

Examples of the Action Code:

• Man starts filming with a camera in his jacket.
• Man approaches prostitute who offers him her services.
• She leads him down a dark alley and into a building.
• They go up a flight of stares and into a bedroom.
• He takes out a (unseen) weapon and approaches her.
• She screams and he continues to film her reaction.