Codal Analysis-Donnie Darko

ByNathan Rawlings

Visual Code

• The opening of Donnie Darko is kept very simplistic in order to reflect the grounded characters and setting that is trying to be accomplished. Natural lighting is mainly used and despite the genre, there are no typical sci-fi props present within the opening. The costumes are kept simple to show that the main character is a standard teenager. Slow motion shots and moments in the opening also add to the mysterious vibes presented in the scene.

Audio Code

• The opening mainly features a song being played in the background. The song is effective as it is able to give the opening a mysterious vibe due to the instruments and lyrics that are included.

Narrative Code

• We are introduced to Donnie as he wakes up in the middle of a random location. We then see him as he begins to bike back home. He bikes through the neighborhood and we are introduced to some important characters along the way. The opening ends when he arrives home.

Technical Code

• Many landscape shots are used in the biking scenes in order to show that the location is very out of the ordinary and leads audiences to ask why he is there. Characters are also highlighted using slow-motion shots that cause them to appear suspicious.

Enigma Code

• A number of questions are raised during the opening. One of the questions that are raised is actually presented on the side of the fridge, ‘where is Donnie’ is a running question throughout the film.

Codal Analysis- The Hunger Games

Visual Code

• We are given a forest location with a girl hunting a deer. This is interesting because the original tone and use of a bow as a prop causes the opening to appear to have an old setting, which is typically uncommon for a sci-fi film.

Audio Code

• The audio is kept simple and mainly includes a simple background song that has a calming tone. This allows the audience to become immersed as she patiently stalks the deer. The simple sounds also give the effect of loneliness and isolation within the forest.

Narrative Code

• We are introduced to a girl who is alone in the forest as she begins to stalk a deer through the forest. She patiently waits after each attempt until she finally has a shot that she is about to take that is ruined by another character that enters the scene.

Technical Code

• Quick cuts between camera shots are used to reflect the tension of the shot that she is trying to take and the quick movements of the deer.

Enigma Code

• The main question that is raised by the opening is how can they blend the sci-fi genre into the themes that are used throughout. How will the use of traditional bow weaponry be used in the sci-fi genre.

Codal Analysis- Star Wars

Visual Code

• Throughout the scenes we can see many props and themes that can be associated with the sci-fi genre. Instead of traditional weapons, lasers are used and instead of everyday vehicles, spaceships are used.

Audio Code

• Synchronous sounds can be heard throughout as we can hear lasers firing from guns along with spaceships flying through space. A score can be heard throughout that is used to build tension within the scene.

Narrative Code

• The scene starts with one ship being attacked by another. The storm troopers can be seen invading the rebel ship and kill all people on board. Once the place has been cleared Darth Vader walks aboard.

Technical Code

• A number of quick shots are used with close-ups and reaction shots in order to build up tension and suspense within the scene. The use of extreme long-shots of planets and spaceships help to show the audience the genre of the film.

Enigma Code

• Throughout the scene a number of questions are raised. Why has the ship invaded the other ship? and why is there such a focus on Darth Vader’s character?