'APPLY THEORIES OF NARRATIVE TO ONE OF YOUR COURSEWORK TASKS'
OPENING SHOT:
(0:01, 0:02, 0:03)
Roland Barthes narrative code relates to the opening shot(s). The enigma code is relevant as the narrative has not yet been presented and the audience is left wondering what events will occur. The title sequences are the first things the audience is exposed to when viewing the music video; the text appears at 0:01 seconds and enlarges from the central position of the screen. This is shortly followed by a blank, bright white screen to leave the audience guessing/questioning the narrative which will be following. At 0:03 seconds, the music video shows the males face using a panning shot showing ears, eyes and eyebrows using an extreme close up shot; this relates to the enigma code as this is the first time the audience is shown the male and they would inevitably question the meaning behind this use of shot. The panning extreme close up can also be a form of action code as the audience will assume that further events will occur which will make sense of the male being featured at this stage.
In terms of the cultural code, its assumed that the main target audience are indie/ alternative individuals and these are the only types of people who interpret the preferred reading throughout as they understand the meaning behind the important features of the meaning and consider the lyrics due to enjoying this genre of music.
At 0.53 through to 0.58 seconds into the video the audience is presented with a straight ahead medium close up shot followed by a side profile medium close up of the male alone in the cage like white room with his hands pressing against the wall, presenting his desperation to escape the feelings he is experiencing. As this is shown on the word 'cage' in the song lyrics, it is one example of illustration within the text as it presents the lyrics of the song in a visual, literal form which the audience is able to recognise.
At 1.04 the audience is briefly introduced to female dancer, Sophie. This relates back to the enigma code once again as the audience Is left questioning her purpose/role in the narrative, leading to thoughts of how this may come together at the end of the music video.
With relation to the symbolic code, the music video features symbolic points throughout in order to get the meaning of the lyrics and video across clearly; this is achieved through continuous reference to separate shots of the male and female dancers both together and apart in the same space. (00.0) and (000.0). This allows the audience to recognise the pair are a couple. This also relates to star image references as the main focus of the audience is forced, by the directors use of camera shots and editing, to be predominantly on the male dancer. The shots are mainly the male dancing/ acting in the space alone throughout the entire production; although even shots in which the female is present and featured, she is not the main point of interest for the audience as they are led on a journey of the male's emotions.
CLOSING SHOT:
Amplification theory is featured within 'My Body is a Cage 'as emotions are presented louder through dance moves expressing a chaotic, psychotic inner feeling shown physically through fast paced contemporary dance in the final scenes. This also has links to the symbolic code as the performance symbolises his frustration of being trapped in a situation of heartache.
