James Lilley: Research - Narrative Codes in Music Videos

The most popular theory about narrative would be Barthes Codes. This theory looks at five different elements of a music video and how each narrative is interwoven with these five codes. These codes are; Enigma, Action, Semantic, Symbolic and Cultural. The first two codes involve ways of creating suspense in narrative, the first by unanswered questions, the second by anticipation of an action's resolution.

Enigma Code

The enigma code refers to plot elements of a story that are not explained. An example of this would be Eminem's I'm Not Afraid. From the establishing shot the audience can tell that the lead singer is perched on top of a skyscraper. Throughout the music video we see performance and narrative, there is an equal amount of performance and narrative in this music video as when it's showing the narrative Eminem is performing throughout. The enigma code of this music video is whether Eminem is going to jump from the top of the building or not. The audience are waiting for this to be resolved at the end of the video, instead of revealing the outcome to the audience straight away the video shows how Eminem got into the position showing narrative. At the end of the music video we see Eminem flying on top of the building resolving the enigma code of if he was going to jump and also how he got himself into that position.

Establishing Shot of Eminems I'm Not Afraid

Action Code

The action code refers to plot events that imply further narrative action. For example, a story character confronts an adversary and the reader wonders what the resolution of this action will be. Suspense is created by action rather than by a reader's wish to have mysteries explained. An example of an action code would be Skream and Example's Shot Yourself in the Foot Again. The reason why this has a action code is because the relationship in this music video is failing because of the actions that the male in the relationship undertakes. By him ignoring his girlfriend and going out with his mates it creates more narrative as the women is seen leaving the boyfriend after these actions

Semantic Code

A semantic code is a unit of meaning or a sign that express cultural stereotypes. These signs allow the author to describe characters, settings and events. The semic code focuses upon information that the narration provides in order to suggest abstract concepts. An exmaple of this would the music video Jungle by Proffessor Green the culural steriotype within this music video is of young black males. The video connotes ideas of a broken youth and that the young chracters within this music video are seen as intimmidating. By the director of the music video using these chracters it follows the narractive of the song. The mise-en-scene closely abides with this steriotype as they are seen with weapons and also clothing to hide their identity.

Symbolic Code

The symbolic code refers to a structural structure that organizes meanings by way of antitheses, binary oppositions or sexual and psychological conflicts. These oppositions can be expressed through action, character and setting. An exmaple of this would be F**king Perfect by P!nk the symbolic code within this music video is the teddy bear as the protagonist within the music video refers back top the teddy bear to resolve her issues. The reason why this is the symbolic code is becuase it symbolises her identity and is the main focus point within the music video.

Cultural Code

The cultural code is when a text references another text this can be done in may ways some ways would be to make a parody of the text or just simply praise the text and bring nostalgia to the audience. Referencing can be done in two different ways these are horizontal and vertical referencing. An exmaple of a cultural code would be Keri Hiltons Pretty Girl Rock. The reaosn why i have chosen to analyse this text is because it has a huge cultural code within the music video. The lyrics deliver messages of self-love and female empowerment. The music video features Keri Hilson portraying an array of African American female icons of the past, which included Josephine Baker, Dorothy Dandridge, The Andrews Sisters, Diana Ross, Donna Summer, Janet Jackson and TLC.