Enigma Codes Theory

 

Enigma Codes

• Entice the audience
• Narrative theory/storyline
• Clues are dropped to raise that mystery, but no clear answers are given. 
• Unanswered enigma frustrates the audience 
• Ex: Cliffhanger Endings from the Avengers: Infinity War
• Ex: Product Trailers/Teaser
• Ex: Enigma Based Narrative; Sherlock
• Identify Enigma 
• Did the Media Text create this enigma through simple connotation or narrative timing, or are there clear uses of tools like camera, editing, sound, mise-en-scene, etc. that 'manufacture' this enigma.

Stranger Things

Episode 1: Plot

Summary: 

Alarms are going off at the Department of Energy's Hawkins National Lab. As a scientist is running down the corridor an unseen monster eats him in the closing elevator, the film then shifts to four friends playing Dungeons and Dragons at one of the character's house, Mike. Mike's mom instructs them to finish up just as Will rolls a seven, indicating that he will be eaten in the game. As they clean up and. begin to head home Will passes a government-controlled territory and encounters an invisible growling creature. He is then found stuck in the shed in the event of escaping this invisible creature.

Analysis: 

The tv show begins with a black screen with the caption November 6th, 1983 Hawkins, Indiana. 

• This establishes the show's context by providing information and a location. 

The next scene takes place in Hawkins Laboratory, which is first seen in a tilting outside establishing shot. After that, the lab appears as a series of interiors. As the doors burst open with a silent background it delivers a jump scare as a man sprints through the hallway.

• stifling corridors, flashing lights, and camerawork emphasizes the scientist and the mise-en-scene as expressionistic. 
• Wide images of the scientist dashing through corridors is an enigma code, implying that the negative space will be filled, but the audience has no idea how. 
• The scientist panicking pressing the elevator button is shown in extreme close-up with an amplified diagnostic sound, emphasizing his worry. 
• Animal noises on the soundtrack and a dramatic overhead, depicting the attacker's point of view before the shooting indicates the instant the scientist sees his attacker. 

The opening sequence's media language satisfies the context's demand for high production: 

Consciously imitate Spielberg's cinematography and use of enigma in films.

• These characteristics are in keeping with the series intertextual nature. 

Complex + ambiguous = narrative.

Initial equilibrium = the boys' calm and secure suburban lifestyle – Sprinkler equals normalcy. Playing Dungeons & Dragons. Life in a typical nuclear household

The monstrous event at the beginning of the opening segment, followed by Will's departure at the end. 

• The hunt for Will = Narrative Drive 

Enigma = the monster's connection to Eleven and her unusual abilities is resolved.

Enigma = Where’s Will? What is the monster? Who is Eleven? Where did the monster come from?