Roland Barthes Theory was that he had 5 codes relating to films, these codes consisted of the following:
1. Hermeneutic / Enigma code which is the mystery within the text, where clues are dropped but no clear answers are given. This makes the audience want to know more.
2. Proairetic / Action code which contains sequential elements of action in the text.
3. Semantic code is the additional meaning which refers to parts within the text that suggests or refers to additional meaning.
4, Symbolic code is symbolism within he text, exercises opposites to show contrast and create greater meanings, tension, drama and character development.
5. Referential code refers to other things outside the text. Such as scientific, historical and cultural knowledge.
Todorov's Theory
Todorov believed that everything has 5 stages which is known as equilibrium.
The start of the film starts with an equilibrium which is the happy calm start to the film and then a distribution happens which is when something goes wrong in the film. Todorov said that after that there will then be a recognition of this distribution where the restoration will come in and turn it back into an equilibrium. He thinks that this occurrence happens in every single film. It starts off good then bad and then back to good.
Propp's Theory
Propp suggested that every film has a
Hero
Villain
Donor
Dispatcher
False hero
Helper
Princess
and her Father.
Levi-Strauss Theory
He believes that films all have binary opposites, all stories have opposing opposites. For example:
Good and evil
Old and young
Rich and poor
Boy and Girl
Light and Dark.
Explaining the codes in this opening:
Hermeneutic / Enigma code is used greatly in this scene as nothing has been said, the usual characters are not there however you know they will be soon and you know something bad will happen. The mystery with this is that you don;t really understand why they're fighting these robots, even though it looks as if they are loosing you know it will be alright and they will actually win. Not really knowing what is going on and why it is going on really draws people into the film and makes them want to know more.
Proairetic / Action code links in with what i said with Hermeneutic as it creates a lot of suspense and makes you want to know more with the anticipation of what actions they are going to take next.
Symbolic code is used here as it shows everyone as opposites as they all have their own different and unique powers which segregates them from others making them original.