Case Study Investigation:

Mates by Austin Macfarlane (QLD) Drama (2019)

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Institution

Case Study Investigation:

Mates by Austin Macfarlane (QLD) Drama (2019)

Introduction

This case study endeavours to appraise and analyze a short film called Mates (2019) by Austin Macfarlane, the Overall Winner 2019 Bond University Film and Television Awards (BUFTA) competition that was held on 23rd November (Bond University, 2019). Precisely, this study will analyze the cinematography of the film by focusing on how Macfarlane handles the film’s genre using different symbolic and technical choices. Besides, it will elaborate on Macfarlane’s story-telling and artistry skills by illuminating on specific aspects including technical skills, visual style and creativity.     

Context

Senior high school learners from various parts of Australia usually participate in a highly-respected and valued film competition called BUFTA. Specifically, students would showcase their unique and competent skills and capabilities with regards to film making during BUFTA competitions. Accordingly, successful competitors could win priceless scholarships to pursue undergraduate degrees at Bond University. Since its establishment in 1996, several students have benefited from the BUFTA competition. Likewise, Macfarlane would study Bachelor of Film and Television at the university after winning a full scholarship.

Moreover, Macfarlane from the Anglican Church Grammar School (Queensland) used his filmmaking prowess to develop and execute the wonderful drama. Each student who aspire to secure sponsorship and pursue a course in the field and would strive to be among the best because BUFTA encourages creativity and use of acquired skills and knowledge to present a learners capabilities on matters regarding film-making. Fortunately, Bond University is dedicated to fair judgment and selection of the most qualified and passionate students to advanced their studies (Bond University – FSD, 2018). Macfarlane’s Mates emerged as the best in the drama category during the gala competition that comprises varied types of performances, including music video, animation, experimental film, documentary, and comedy.

Analysis

Macfarlane’s short film relies on appropriate cinematography to present the intended message. Specifically, Macfarlane uses the right types of lighting to communicate on various aspects effectively. For instance, the use of dark shadows at the beginning and the end of the film correspond well with the unfortunate event of murder that transpires in the video. Besides, the producer uses suitable sounds to reinforce visual presentations. For example, certain sounds that could be related to death and undesired occurrences play as Pete follows blood drops to where a lady is found dead. Besides, the film relies on different types of sounds due to the varying events. Moreover, clear cuts exist as different types of sounds are introduced.

As a drama film, Mate presents some interesting yet highly informative events. Macfarlane demonstrates lots of creativity in determining the most appropriate ways of presenting his ultimate message using only three characters. Besides, creative cinematography facilitates proper presentation of different aspects, including the use of dark shades to signify night time.

Moreover, the characters in the film act in an impressive way, as evidenced by the change in tones and behaviours while communicating. As a result, target audiences would realize the emotional influences that make the film more engaging. For example, Pete talks with lots of guilt after discovering the death of his mate’s companion (Atom, 2020). Hence, what transpires in the film could adequately correspond with what happens in real-life situations.

Additionally, the film ends in suspense, thus encouraging the audiences to contemplate on what could have transpired thereafter. Suspense acts as one of the most effective ways of encouraging viewer attention and engagement (Tan & Diteweg, 2013). Still, Macfarlane relies on a servile person to present the theme of murder in an excellent way. Although Pete appears to be innocent with the murder, he assists his friend with the burial of the dead companion without questioning him. Thus, the film producer effectively elaborates on the extent to which servile persons can try and please their harsh friends.  

Further, the film relies on excellent editing to ensure the provision of an error-free presentation. Editing serves as one of the most crucial practices in film making because it results in refinement of the video (Rabiger & Hurbis-Cherrier, 2013). For instance, are no instances of repeated or unclear words or scenes, thus making the video interesting while encouraging smooth flow from the onset to the end. In brief, virtually everything about the film is perfect, thanks to the editor’s efforts.

Appraisal

 Mates is a wonderful short film that relies mainly on irony to elaborate on how persons that pretend to be friends could hurt and even kill their colleagues. Precisely, the film effectively demonstrates how a malicious male person abuses and his “friend” and kills his companion. Although the film’s title suggests that it is about partners (mates), it appears to mean the opposite following the murder of the female companion. Therefore, Macfarlane seems to be well-acquainted with the use of irony to present some hidden information effectively.

Moreover, Macfarlane seems to be well-informed about the use of varied cinematographic details to the sufficiently present crime genre. Accordingly, the filmmaker establishes suitable mise-en-scenes that significantly improve the plot of the story (Kathiravelu, 2018). For example, the presence of a dark hiding place makes it possible for Pete to hide upon discovering the death of his friend’s partner. Moreover, Macfarlane uses proper visual styles to tell the story effectively. As a filmmaker, visual aspects are some of the most vital elements that could facilitate or discourage the proper presentation of the story. Therefore, Macfarlane appears to possess an advanced understanding of the cinematographic details.

Likewise, Macfarlane exhibits the use of advanced technical skills to present the applicable themes effectively. The use of appropriate sounds enhanced the dramatic events and set the needed moods for every scene. Besides, the producer relies on mid shots and close-ups to adequately present crime scenes and victims, hence, creating more bond and engagement with the audience (Mead, 2016). Luckily, Macfarlane appears to be well-informed about the need to ensure that the target audiences remain attentive and engaged, thus rendering the film lively.

Also, Macfarlane depends largely on suspends to encourage more engagement of the audience. Like most other crime films, audiences the use of suspense would trigger useful contemplations on what could have transpired. For instance, the film leaves target audiences wondering about what could have happened to the slain lady. As such, Macfarlane seems to be much concerned with the need to establish and maintain connections with the audiences. However, Macfarlane could have embraced the use of other tools such as a slow-motion to encourage more connections with the viewers.

Conclusion

Mate is an interesting short film that relies on excellent cinematography, creativity and story-telling skills to present the theme of murder adequately. Accordingly, the high school filmmaker, Macfarlane, secured the highly-contested scholarship to study a bachelor’s degree in Film and Television at Bond University after emerging as the Overall Winner in 2091 at the gala BUFTA awards. Precisely, Macfarlane uses appropriate visual elements as well as mise-en-scenes to communicate effectively with the viewer. Besides, the film producer exhibits lots of understandings with regards to the use of technical skills to facilitate a better presentation of the story. Specifically, Macfarlane uses apt sounds to enhance different dramatic events and establish desired moods. Similarly, the filmmaker depends on close-ups and mid shots to clearly capture crime scenes, thus encouraging more connection with the viewer. Moreover, Macfarlane demonstrates sufficient concern with the need to build and maintain links with the target audiences to ensure that the film remains lively and interesting. Overall, the producer presents a thrilling film that clearly communicates the intended message.        

References

Bond University – FSD. (2018, December 19). BUFTA 2018 BEST OVERALL FILMMAKER [Video file]. Retrieved from https://vimeo.com/307194032Kathiravelu, L. (2018). A Yellow Bird [film]. The Asia Pacific Journal of Anthropology, 19(1), 100-102.

Mates – The 2020 ATOM Awards. (2020). Retrieved 9 March 2020, from http://atomawards.org/2019-student-entry/mates/?fbclid=IwAR3nVcKJFcQG1Pjv4fYCnO3x2OV2PuNIT0oQLxsLCOuYf6f1R6QETd6583gMead, B. (2016). Getting Away With Murder: The Film Noir World of Woody Allen. International Journal of Humanities and Cultural Studies (IJHCS)​ ISSN 2356-5926, 1(3), 257-265.

Queensland student takes home top prize at BUFTA 2019. (2019). Retrieved 9 March 2020, from https://bond.edu.au/intl/news/63447/queensland-student-takes-home-top-prize-bufta-2019Rabiger, M., & Hurbis-Cherrier, M. (2013). Directing: Film techniques and aesthetics. Taylor & Francis.

Tan, E., & Diteweg, G. (2013). Suspense, predictive inference, and emotion in film viewing. In Suspense (pp. 159-198). Routledge.