I've decided to try something out this month that I haven't done before. Instead of discussing some major motion picture or television series that we've all been feasting upon during these...never mind if I hear one more person refer to these as "crazy times, including myself, I'm throwing my computer at the wall. Anyways, I'm going to be discussing a short film you may not have heard of, but you should most definitely take a look at.
When I was in film school at Brooklyn College two years ago, I partnered with another young aspiring filmmaker, Matty McGaffney, for a student project. As film students so often do when sharing space together, we spoke of our dreams and aspirations for ourselves and more importantly, for our work. Matty told me of a film idea he had been working on for quite some time. Like any true artist, he was able to pitch it to me on the spot, and from the first few sentences, I knew two things: 1. His story idea had inherent cinematic value, and 2. I was talking with someone who had a genuine passion for creating meaningful art. These were not common attributes always found in people in the film department as there were plenty of students that were all about technique but lacked vision and vice versa. I, myself still feel that I lag in both areas, but Matty was determined to press forward with his dream and bring it to life. A few short years later, Magnetic Baby (2019) was born unto the world.
The 12-minute short film details the story of Michael, a boy barely 18 years of age who has a secret passion for men and glam-rock. Deciding to break out of his shell of suburban repression he goes out one night to see Semi-Precious Weapons (a real rock band fictionally portrayed) perform at a bar in the underbelly of New York City. Michael immediately catches the eye of lead singer Justin Tranter, who invites him for a night on the town which quickly becomes a night of sexual liberation and spiritual awakening for young, docile Michael.
Micheal is played to great effect by actor, Ian O'Boyle who echoes a young Adam Driver in his tender balance of fragility and hidden ferocity. Everyone has fantasized at some time or another of being invited into the private walls of their musical idols. Thomas Henke allows Justin Tranter to become the ideal punk-fairy-godmother of Michael and our's twisted dreams, never overselling the distinctive look and style of the real-life performer.
The set and costumes appear to use white as a central color in the first act to represent Michael's purity. Everything from his home to his t-shirt has a feeling of sterility to it which contrasts beautifully to the kaleidoscope of colors and hues he is exposed to when he immerses himself into the gritty and glamorous grunge NYC nightlife. The most memorable shot of the film is when Tranter sprays the audience with alcohol as he is on stage performing. As we see the droplets cascade upon Michael's face, it is as if he is a budding seedling getting the water and nutrients he so desperately requires to bloom fully and oh does he come to bloom later in the evening.
