CANDIDATE NUMBER: 1316
The Enigma Code
Created by Roland Barthes, the Enigma Code is a device used in media where the media consumer is forced to ask questions to themselves about unexplained events that are occuring in the media product. This usually occurs when something unprompted is placed on screen and the aidience has no means of understanding why. This could be on a poster or in a motion picture.
(Breaking Bad - Season 1, Episode 1)
A great example of this would be the opening of the first episode of AMC's Breaking Bad, where we see the main protaginist (Played by Bryan Cranston) in an RV with 3 other people who are out cold. He is without clothing, wearing a mask, and is driving through the desert very swiftly.
This causes the audience to ask questions, such as:
Why is he panicked?
Why are these people unconscious?
Are they dead?
Why does he have no clothes on?
Similarly, the opening to AMC's The Walking Dead also presents several questions to the audience.
The scene shows Rick Grimes (as portrayed by Andrew Lincoln) making his way through a desolate street. He then is chased by a small girl who he then shoots in the forehead.
This causes the audience to ask questions, such as:
What has happened to the girl?
Where is everyone?
Is this man an officer?
