The enigma code
An enigma describes a question that is not immediately answered and thus draws an audience into a text. During the initial development of our film idea, I described how this technique would be incorporated into our film.
‘I would aim to use enigma in my production work by using shots that pose questions for the audience. For instance, my work would include an establishing shot of a man tied up in a chair contained by a dark room. This would entice the viewer to continue watching because they would like to know why this male character is there, who he is and what events or force has lead him into this suspenseful situation. Another example, which aims to achieve a similar effect, is the knife sharpening/ cleaning scene (where the antagonist is wiping and sharpening his blood-stained weaponry) shown in the flashback sequence. This behaviour acts as an action code which takes the narrative in more disturbing direction, revealing murder and violence to be a key theme. This added information may signify possible events in the plot – allowing the audience to consider what has already happened and predict what is going to
happen (i.e. more sadistic torture).’
Action codes are significant events which move the narrative on in a particular direction – for instance a doorbell ringing. They serve a specific purpose in changing the scene and also keep the narrative alive. Our purpose was to tell the audience something about the dangerous nature of the character, and his intentions.
