Barthes analysis of the opening sequence of ‘Peeping Tom’

We used Barthes theory of codes to analyse the first 4.5 minutes of ‘Peeping Tom’ which was directed by Michael Powell in 1960.




1) Action code: depicts the events which take place in the narrative
- The man approaches the lady
- They walk into an alleyway and into her room where she begins to undress
- He goes closer with his camera and she starts screaming
- We see him watching his film back as the opening credits come up
2) Enigma code: setting up of the mystery, development and resolutionAs the start of the opening sequence is shot from the POV of the killer, his identity is kept secret. He doesn’t speak or react to the woman or any other characters that pass by him. Also as he follows the woman down the alleyway at night time it is quite dark which is mysterious and can signify danger.

3) Semantic code: refers to character and characterisation
The man’s identity is kept secret all the way through the opening sequence. We don’t know what he looks like as the camera is his POV.
We find out more information about the woman- she is a middle aged a prostitute, the way she is dressed – red skirt and lipstick, she also speaks although the main character doesn’t respond.

4) Referential code: explaining / informing
- The opening credits
- Reference to prostitution in ancient Britain

5) Symbolic code: connotations of signs
- Red skirt and lipstick = blood, murder
- ECU of the eye which jumps open = watching/ peeping, thriller
- Dark, night time, alleyway = danger/ enigma