Roland Barthes theory

I have been researching a few theories of film making and structure before creating my own, to enable me to understand the principles behind it, which I feel will ultimately allow me to create a much more slick, professional short film with a better knowledge of film making.
Roland Barthes was a semiotics professor in the 1950s and 1960s who devised his theory on narrative after stating that narrative can be 'unravelled' to reveal potential meanings. His theory states that any narrative can be broken down into five codes or sets of rules , which are as follows;
Action code which refers to the events taking place
Enigma code which refers to the questions raised and answered
Semantic code which refers to the characters and characterisation
Referential code which refers to the information and explanation
Symbolic code which refers to the connotations of signs

I have applied this theory to a scene from 'This is England' as this theory will be something to consider when creating my short film and it also allows me to demonstrate my knowledge and awareness.



Action code:
- Group of young people gathered around a young boy
- Young boy getting hair shaved
- Girls shaving head
- Boys smoking
- Conversation about correct shirt
- Boy is presented with shirt from friends
- Puts shirt on, look complete

Enigma code:
- Shaving of the head - what is the significance in skinhead culture?
- Girls shave why boys smoke - why the women's role?
- New girl sitting with boy - who is she? does she hold any significance?
- Quick cuts to graffiti - what is the significance?
- Friends walking together - where are they going?

Semantic code:
- Girl shaving hair - motherly, kind, dutiful women forming labour task while men watch
- Girl with piercings, dreadlocks etc - outrageous, extroverted, outgoing, unique, expressive
- Boy in pink shirt sitting in center - ring leader, figure of authority he presents gift, friends sitting angled toward him
- Young boy - impressionable, eager to fit in, trusting, easily swayed, loves the attention
- Boy bringing in tea tray - dutiful, emasculated , eager to please, friendly, loyal

Referential code:
- Makeover represents skinhead culture
- Location broken into apartment
- Shoes doc martins, iconic

Symbolic code:
- Graffiti represents rebellion
- Makeover represents a belonging, wanting to belong
- Boy who presents present to young boy represents a male figure of authority, a male figure of respect
- Football on the streets represents playful youth, harmless fun