Abstract:
This study examines the use of imagery in the short film Aespa Ep.01: Black Mamba within the SM Culture Universe,
employing a qualitative descriptive method and a case study approach. Grounded in literary theory, the research
conceptualizes imagery—visual, auditory, kinesthetic, organic, olfactory, gustatory, and tactile—as essential in
constructing sensory and emotional meaning within a narrative. Drawing on the frameworks of Perrine, Klarer, and
Abrams, the study treats film as a literary text capable of conveying complex messages through symbolic and sensory
elements. Data were collected through repeated observation of the short film and analyzed by categorizing and
interpreting the types of imagery. A total of 110 instances of imagery were identified. The findings reveal that visual
imagery is the most dominant, contributing to the film’s futuristic and digital atmosphere. Kinesthetic and organic
imagery enhance the narrative by illustrating physical action and internal emotion, while auditory imagery supports
both the storyline and philosophical themes. Olfactory, gustatory, and tactile imagery were found to be minimal or
absent. The study concludes that imagery in the film serves not only as an aesthetic feature but also as a medium for
expressing deeper meanings related to digital identity, emotional experience, and the convergence of virtual and real
worlds. These findings underscore the potential of visual storytelling as a literary tool in contemporary media. Future
research is encouraged to explore visual semiotics, spatial symbolism, and comparative media analysis to further
illuminate the dynamics of digital narratives.
