Codes in Film

          Codes are highly complex patterns of association we all learn in a given society & culture .These codes in our minds affect the way we interpret sign & symbols found in media & the way we live.From this perspective cultures & qualification systems play an important role in our lives.

 So, there are four types of codes in film. 

1.Technical codes

2.Symbolic codes

3.Audio codes

4.written codes

Technical Codes

         This codes deal with all the technical aspects of the movie.Technical codes include the film stock used,the colour used in the film,the types of lighting,the various filters used,the use of takes &  etc.

There are some technical codes,

• Black & white - past memory / history 

• Trolley - speedy movements 

• Slow motion - portrait character 

• Light - diffuse light, shadows - to resemble the reality 

• Special effects - 'Morphing'

            Example - "MS Dhoni" Movie

Symbolic Codes

         The symbolic codes are the elements in the movie which communicate something hidden, something more than what it seems through the signals & symbols.This codes are to be interpreted by the audience according to the base of the culture & audience frame of reference.

     It includes the sets, the costume which         symbolizes lifestyle & social & financial   status.Makeup could also be a symbolic   code.

There are some symbolic codes,

• Frame of reference - with the help of past experience , knowledge , culture we understand things.

• Dress is also a symbol which indicate the time, culture, fashion, interest , profession & etc.

• Eye movements can convey many stories

Audio codes

       Audio codes refer to anything that can be heard in the movie.Background music (BGM) is an audio code.Through background music you can easily understand the situation (romance, fight, comedy) because it helps the story be alive.

There are some audio codes,

• Theme music - For a program there wil be a particular theme music.by hearing the theme music you can realize the film, program or advertisement.

• Songs - sings give some impressions or message to the audience.

            Example - for love failure there are                           separate songs.

• Special sounds - for particular situations & places there are special sounds.

            Example - railway sounds, market

Written codes

All that comes in text on the screen during the movie are written codes.

   Example - Year, Place, time

• Intermission ( middle part of the film)

• Font style, size, color (Blue - calm & cool, Red - danger/ anger, Yellow - hot )

• Credit list - name or the Director & other artists of the film.

So, These are the audio codes.

Accordingly, the film's code can be introduced in this way.