Research: Enigma Codes

Enigma Codes

One of the most commonly used narrative structures in the thriller genre is an enigma code, it acts as a intriguing way of enticing the audience to follow the narrative, as slowly as they progress through the film, they are left to feel as if they are discovering things as the thriller progresses, as well as also building a sense of suspense and drama for the duration of the rest of the film.

The Enigma Code is always in the form of a question (The question the whole film is based around revealing)

Roland barthes' Enigma Code

Barathes' Enigma Code is a theory that suggests a text (whether that be television, film, a poster etc) portrays a mystery to draw an audience in, pose questions and become intrigued in the piece. For instance, a murder mystery will often not reveal the identity of the murderer until the end of the story, which poses the question "Who is the murderer?"

The Matrix

The man slowly reveals to Neyo what the Matrix is and offers him an ultimatum to discover more (by taking the red pill or by 'waking up' taking the blue pill) so the audience is still left with the suspense building. Although the audience now knows what the Matrix is the story is not over and the mystery carries on but just with more pieces revealed. This is an example of the Enigma Code being used.

Crank
Why did he kill him?
How much time does he really have left?

The Usual Suspects
Why did he kill him?