Film Opening Analysis - Soulmate (2023)

Genre: Drama, Slice-of-life

Director: Min Yong-geun

Producer: Byun Seung-min

Distributed by: Next Entertainment World, Wide Lens Pictures

Budget: --

Box office: US$2.5 million

Typography:

Even though the font used is in Korean (Hangul), it could be easily observed that it is often characterized by simple and clean fonts that are easy to read. The use of straightforward typography reflects the authenticity and realism of everyday life portrayed in the genre. The color palette of the typography may be muted or natural, mirroring the subdued and realistic tone of slice-of-life stories. Earth tones or soft hues can evoke a sense of familiarity and comfort associated with everyday experiences. The way typography is integrated with the visuals in the film can also communicate the slice-of-life genre. Seamless blending of text with images or scenes can reinforce the idea that the story is grounded in everyday reality and human emotions.

The hand-written font title ident that appeared at the beginning of the opening sequence evokes a sense of intimacy and personal connection. In the context of a slice-of-life film, this can suggest that the story is rooted in the personal experiences and emotions of the characters, highlighting their individual journeys and relationships.

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

A young woman named Ahn Mi-so is seen following a staff of an art gallery into a room to see a painting. The painting is covered with canvas drapes, but it is soon revealed that it is her in the picture. Earlier in the sequence, there was an extreme close-up shot of someone drawing an eye using a pencil. Coincidentally, the drawing was done with a pencil, so the viewers can somehow expect that the two drawings are actually the same. At this point, Ahn Mi-so's expressions are still unpredictable and numb, as if there are no exact emotions on her face for the audience to analyse. This detail connotes that she is not surprised by her own face on the

drawing, but instead, she is puzzled by something else that is not yet told. The artist is assumed to be Mi-so's best friend, and the reason she is invited to the art gallery is because the artist won the gallery contest but there is no way to contact her. Even though it is her that was drawn on the drawing, she denies her close relationship with the artist and says that they only had run-ins as children. The puzzled mystery about the two's friendship raises enigmas among the audience, and as the movie goes there are possibilities that this relationship will be revealed.

How is the genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes?

• Symbolic codes

1. Intimate objects: Obviously, the centre of the opening sequence is the drawing, as it gives hints about the background of the best friend and the relationship between her and Mi-so. These artifacts can serve as touchstones for characters' pasts, relationships, and personal journeys, highlighting the intimate and reflective nature of slice-of-life storytelling.

2. Gestures and expressions: Symbolic codes in the form of gestures, expressions, and body language can convey unspoken emotions, relationships, and dynamics between characters. A warm smile, a slight frown, or a meaningful glance can communicate empathy, connection, and the nuances of human interactions central to the slice-of-life genre.

• Technical codes

1. Camera compositions: The opening sequence mainly uses medium and medium close-up shots with barely any stylisation, capturing the characters in their natural environments, which can enhance the sense of realism and relatability. Furthermore, the strong presence of static and pan camera movements allows the audience to focus more onto the characters' expressions and notice any small details that are squeezed in by the director to convey certain meanings.

2. Dialogues: Throughout the film opening, the audience is showcased with frequent dialogues, in which the characters speak in a natural, unscripted manner, with pauses, interruptions, and overlapping dialogue that reflect the spontaneity and authenticity of everyday communication. Moreover, the characters' unspoken feelings can be communicated through subtle nuances in their dialogue delivery, tone of voice, and body language, adding layers of complexity to their interactions.

3. Editing style: A naturalistic editing style that allows scenes to unfold at a leisurely pace, with minimal cuts or transitions, can reinforce the slice-of-life genre by emphasizing the continuity and flow of everyday moments. Seamless transitions between different locations or characters can create a sense of cohesion and connection within the narrative.

How does the film establish enigmas from the outset?

Soulmate may begin with a cryptic or ambiguous scene that raises questions and piques curiosity. The character Ahn Mi-so is invited to an art gallery, but rather than enjoying the art pieces, she is questioned about her relationship with an artist who has drawn her face enlarged on a big canvas frame. This could involve a character in an unusual situation, a mysterious event, or an enigmatic conversation that sets the stage for the narrative's central mysteries. 

The film opening also introduces characters with complex and enigmatic backgrounds that hint at hidden motivations, secrets, or unresolved conflicts. By revealing snippets of their past experiences or relationships, the film creates a sense of intrigue around the characters' identities and motivations.

Summary:

The cinematography of this opening sequence is one thing that I want to bring into mine. The medium camera shots with static movements could convey and carry out the characteristics of a slice-of-life movie. Furthermore, the idea of enigmatic relationships between best/close friends intrigues me a lot, and I think this concept is worth a try.