Film Opening Analysis - My Liberation Notes (2022)

Genre: Slice-of-life

Director: Kim Seok-yoon

Production companies: Studio Phoenix, Chorokbaem Media, SLL

Distributed by: JTBC

Budget: ₩8 billion

Box office: --

Typography:

Opting for a simple and clean typography design in My Liberation Notes can mirror the unembellished and straightforward aesthetics often associated with slice-of-life narratives. Minimalist typography choices, such as sans-serif fonts or clean layouts, can enhance the clarity and readability of the text while maintaining a sense of understated elegance. Integrating doodles, sketches, or hand-drawn elements into the typography design can add a whimsical and artistic touch to My Liberation Notes. These visual embellishments can capture the characters' creative expressions, inner thoughts, or emotional states, enriching the visual storytelling and enhancing the slice-of-life atmosphere.

What images are prioritised in the opening sequence? What connotations do the images carry? 

Throughout the first few minutes of the first episode of My Liberation Notes, the viewers are introduced to the main characters through a unique perspective - the characters make their first appearances when they face troubles and challenges in their lives. Firstly, the last-born of the Yeom family - Yeom Mi-Jeong, is depicted as introverted and observant, often seen quietly observing her surroundings and the people around her. She works in an environment where it is encouraged for employees to join different clubs to expand their connections, however, she is one of the very few ones who don't belong to any clubs. The main reason that she tells
everyone curious about that is that she lives very far away, hence her transportation time already takes up her whole evening. Yeom Mi-jeong's reserved demeanor and guarded emotions hint at past experiences or inner struggles that have shaped her personality. Her emotional reserve connotes a sense of vulnerability, sensitivity, and a desire for connection that is not easily expressed or shared with others. 

Overall, Yeom Mi-jeong's character in the opening sequence of My Liberation Notes is portrayed with a sense of mystery, depth, and emotional complexity that invites viewers to unravel the layers of her personality and journey.

How is the genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes?

• Technical codes

1. Naturalistic acting: The actors' performances in the opening sequence may emphasize naturalistic and subtle portrayals of emotions and interactions. Authentic dialogue delivery, nuanced facial expressions, and realistic gestures can convey a sense of spontaneity and genuine human connection, enhancing the slice-of-life atmosphere.

2. Mise-en-scene: The mise-en-scene in the first episode may focus on creating authentic and lived-in environments that reflect the characters' personalities and lifestyles. The plot is set in a
credit card production company where employees are having lunch and are going out for a bowling game or some drinks after work. Moreover, the set that is based in a grilled meat restaurant establishes a sense of place and time, grounding the narrative in a recognizable and relatable world.
3. Editing style: The editing and pacing of the first episode may prioritize natural rhythms, pauses, and moments of contemplation that mirror the ebb and flow of everyday life. Seamless transitions, lingering shots, and non-linear storytelling techniques can capture the organic and unscripted nature of slice-of-life narratives.

• Symbolic codes

1. The workplace culture: The highlight of the workplace's lunch culture, such as close employees hanging out and gossiping at the lunch tables, and then going out for some drinks after work is portrayed in a very authentic way, conveying a sense of genuine human connection and enhance the characteristics of a slice-of-life film.

2. The disconnection: Yeom Mi-Jeong's distant attitude and disconnection to everyone else revive a common issue among young people nowadays: isolation and loneliness. In today's world where open, extroverted people are more biased and encouraged, introverted people are often misunderstood and misconceived as timid and shy people, which leads to them actually feeling distant and that they don't belong to the community. Such representation captures the organic and unscripted nature of slice-of-life narratives.

3. The often neglected view on mental health: Yeom Mi-jeong's character can be used to explore themes related to mental health, such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. By depicting her struggles with inner demons and emotional challenges, the series can shed light on the importance of mental well-being and destigmatize conversations around mental health issues.

How does the film establish enigmas from the outset?

The series may pose unanswered questions or present unresolved plot points that create narrative enigmas and drive the story forward. By withholding key information or introducing mysterious elements, the series keeps viewers engaged and invested in uncovering the truth behind the enigmas presented. Subplots or side stories within the series may introduce enigmatic elements that add complexity and depth to the overarching narrative. Intriguing subplots, unresolved mysteries, or ambiguous character motivations can create additional layers of enigmas that enrich the storytelling and keep viewers guessing.

Summary:

By far, this slice-of-life series has brought me the strongest sense of awakening about the journey of liberating oneself and becoming a better, happier version of ourselves. The deep
and rich messages of freedom and peace of mind have encouraged me to think and research more on how introverted people live in a society where being extroverted is clearly an advantage and encouraged. The social issue aspect of this film affects my mindset a lot, hence I will possibly be adapting it into my film opening sequence. Furthermore, the image of Yeom Mi-Jeong's character turns out to be appealing and worth researching, and I think this representation could be used in my opening sequence.