Cultural Code Theory

Hello again, blog!

 Today I will be discussing the topic of theories and how I wish to include a specific theory in my film. The theory that I wish to incorporate into my story is called the Cultural Code theory. This theory provides cultural references that are supposed to develop an audience's understanding of a character.  It could be something that the character finds of great importance that helps us understand a character better. This includes what they're interested in, what they desire, their motives, and just a deeper dive into the character's mind. Some references may range from a movie like Barbie to a band like the Beatles. This idea may play an important role later on in the story. Some purposes of the cultural code are to build comfortability and intimacy to a character but also build a purpose to the story or the character it might show or foreshadow what the characters motives are or what their intentions or thoughts just build upon this character ‘s behavior and background. When shaping a character, this typically works better when the audience understands what cultural reference the character is signaling at. The example I'll provide is Stranger Things. On season four of this very popular series, girl named Max is one of the main characters and her story is a lot about how she struggles internally, but in a very peculiar way. In summary, in one of the episodes she is faced with a very intense challenge, which puts her into an unescapable trance. At the beginning of the season though, it is informed to audiences that Max is really interested in a specific song. By listening to the song, she is eventually able to fight her way out of it. 

The reason I am using this example is because a simple interest like that can save the story. A simple cultural reference can completely alter the plot. I am planning on including this theory into my film opening as it is pretty easy to in my position due to the fact that I decided to do coming of age and coming of age is all about developing a character and their background so I feel like it should be pretty easy to develop some interest maybe that may influence supply later on or simply just shape what kind of character my character will be.