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Barthes Codes
Symbolic Code
Symbolic code refers to contrasts in the text and how things are represented differently within it. In Se7en I noticed that Detective Mills was shown in two different lights, one side of him was his work attitude where he had a tough exterior and seemed aggressive and angry but he was then shown at home with his wife and dogs where he was most comfortable and this displayed a more compassionate side to him, he came across as a softer, warmer person and showed affection.
Hermeneutic Code
This code is closely aligned with the concept of 'enigma', referring to any element of the story that is not fully explained. If this code is present in a film, the full truth of the narrative is often avoided in order to generate intrigue and keep the viewer hooked. They are kept guessing until the final scenes of the film where all is revealed and closure is achieved. This code is definitely present in Se7en as the whole movie, from the first murder to the last scenes employs the concept of enigma. Until the events of the final scenes completely unfold we are still in the dark to what is happening, and although all is revealed, we feel that closure, or emotional closure isn't actually achieved.
Cultural Code
This code refers to any cultural references that are made within the text, and usually means things that we are already aware of through society. For example, in Se7en, the Police force is a huge part of the narrative, and all of its features are things we recognize from our society.
Proairetic Code
This code refers to an action or an event that indicates something else is going to happen. By witnessing this event, the audience can say what that character will do next, and how they will react to the events unfolding before them. For example, in Se7en one of the main characters played by Samuel L Jackson places a pen knife in his pocket at the beginning of the movie, which could be perceived as being a weapon which he may use as the story progresses.
Semic Code
The Semic Code is to do with the process of characterization. By interpreting meaning from a character's actions, traits, or events they are involved in, we can begin to build their character profile, and use this to decide our opinion of them. This can also help us to determine relationships between characters and the role that they play within the narrative. An example of the use of this code in Se7en is the contrast between Morgan Freeman's character, William Somerset and Brad Pitt's character David Mills. In particular, early on in the film when we are only just forming character profiles. Somerset lives alone and has everything in his house in perfect order; everything is clean, in its place and where he wants it to be. Meanwhile Mills' apartment is much more catastrophic and messy, and has no clear order, and is shared by his beautiful wife who he gets to go home to every night.
Barthes' 5 Codes
in reference to Se7en