This short film really stood out for me, partly because it's unique, partly because I liked the music, mainly it was just amazing to look at. A pattern that I've found common in short films under a five minute length, it goes for style over a complex plot. It's a series of time lapse shots of the earth, making this viewer realize how small and minute our lives are amongst such a large planet, as well as the stars and universes beyond. The films bold colours, fast-paced editing and trance-like non diegetic music makes this a compelling watch. The film can be found below:
Camera: This is an interesting film to discuss in regards to how camera has been used; the shot that holds the most prevalence is the camera that looks through a rounded window looking down at Earth. It's the shot that ties in with the title of the film; the title's irony that, outside the window, there is actually the entire world outside. Therefore it could be argued that this shot is a point-of-view shot. Like the recent space drama "Gravity", you feel immersed in space, this shot adding to the idea that the audience is there, looking down on Earth. Other camera's are found on various positions on the space station. Note that we're often looking down on Earth, and the camera can capture whole continents within its frame- this creates the idea that the world, from this perspective at least, is a rather small place in comparison with the vast expanse of unexplored space. Arguably the best shot of the film (and last), the part where we see the astronaut, with the moon in the background, forces the audience to realize the wonder of space-travel. Overall, the use of camera to capture amazing shots is one of the best aspects of this short film.
Editing: The editing is obviously quite prominent in this short film, with time lapses used to fasten the action. Whilst, at normal pace, this could be a rather dull short film, the time lapses capture a long period of time in a few seconds, and so this technique is used to gauge the audience's interests. Moreover, there aren't too many cuts in this film, allowing the amazing shots of the film to speak for themselves. The pace fastens at the end of the film as the film builds to a dramatic crescendo; editing reinforces the sense of wonder at the end of the film. Putting the astronaut at the end of the film brings the film into reality, shocking the viewer as all these shots of the planet have actually been seen, in person, and so the final shots tie in nicely with the films title.
Mise-en-Scene: The vibrancy and colour of the planet is what makes this film remarkable. The quality of the shots can't be underestimated, capturing the features of the planet clearly. When the film shows part of the planet in darkness, the otherworldly colours and flashing lights has an almost surreal quality that looks like something out of a science-fiction film. I like the juxtaposition of these wild, fantastical shots with the space station itself. It reinforces the idea that these shots are an actual feat of human achievement, and so the films message is ultimately quite positive and hopeful.
Sound: The music in this short film is excellent in capturing the emotion present in the film. It's very powerful in stirring the viewer's emotions; it has a futuristic tone which ties in with the idea that the film looks rather surreal and sci-fi-themed. Moreover, the music builds in intensity, kind of like the way the edits become quicker, as the film reaches a spectacular finale. The music therefore adds to the sense of wonder and amazement the film provokes.
The World Outside My Window is possibly the most unique film that I've analyzed. It's a short film that is really powerful and thought-provoking within the confines of its short running time, and has added to my confidence that I can produce an affecting short film of my own within five minutes.
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