As far an fan-made films usually go, its often an embarrassing affair. Low budget productions coupled with adolescents who figure they can achieve more then they set out to do. There’s a reason why the high-gloss of Hollywood production or the careful craftsmanship of independent features is not easy to emulate. It takes careful training, intense logistical organization, and often times some sort of studio backing.
I wouldn’t go so far as to rave over Philanthropy or even cite it as an example opposite of this dilemma, but it comes close. Created by actual film students who seemingly have the abilities to work in the commercial industry, the film overall is quite impressive and surprising. The production level emulates a mid-level TV show which is quite impressive as is. Acting seems professional as well as the costuming, staging, and mise en scene.
The only major issue I had was with the rather younger-skewed selection of actors. Its probably more an issue of availability and simply getting one’s friends in on the production, but it seems odd seeing Snake especially as a college-aged grad/undergrad. Given the character’s aging problem and the fact that this should take place after MGS2, Snake should look rather old, probably 40-50. The same could be said of the supporting characters, many of which really do appear like kids in costume more so then believable characters onscreen.
As far as mise en scene goes though, its quite impressive. The camera work in addition to the computer graphics really brings this low budgeted wonder to full attention. At times its so successful that I forgot I was watching a fan effort, and not a commercial release.
Its altogether difficult to discern as well, between which locales are merely film and which ones are fabricated. Either which way, the production team did an amazing job scouting location shoots and melding it with the help of computer models.
Overall though its hard to say what kind of audience such a production can attract outside of loyal fans to the franchise. Some of the scripting and narrative is so dependent upon the franchise itself, that the production will merely appear campy and illogical to those unfamiliar. Its probably most accurate to say that the whole thing basically feels like the game’s cutscenes acted out by real individuals as opposed to generated models, for better or worse.
Regardless its technically impressive and if anything, I imagine it will provide those involved with a strong jumping-off point into the actual industry. Its great portfolio material but its not really anything to take too seriously in lieu of the possibility of a full-fledged Hollywood adaptation.
The whole film can be downloaded free to view at the official site below:
Metal Gear Solid: Philanthropy Official Site
Embedded Trailer
Tags: hideo kojima, metal gear solid, philanthropy, review
