Portfolio Project: Media Theory

One media theory I want to use for my portfolio project is Roland Barthes’ Enigma theory. This theory explains that stories create tension by giving the audience questions and not answering them until later. This makes the audience curious and makes them want to keep watching.

In my film opening, mystery is created from the start, when the guy is shown in his car stressing with police sirens in the background, and the audience does not know what happened. This makes the audience curious from the first scene, because they wonder what happened to the guy for him to end up in this situation.

The mystery theme continues when the film cuts back to him in his room when we see his parents are missing. The phone call from the stranger raises more questions, such as who the man is, where the parents are, and why the guy is being targeted.

The final scene, where the boy checks the mailbox and looks shocked, is a strong example of the Enigma theory. The audience is not shown what is inside, which leaves them wondering what he has found and what will happen next.

By using Barthes’ Enigma theory, my opening constantly builds suspense through unanswered questions. This is effective in thrillers because it keeps viewers engaged and wanting to continue the story.