The External World

As a film addict, I am often stumbling upon 'shorts' that are animated rather than film. And to be frank, I hate them all, because I never saw the value of animation vs live action. Until I saw "the External World" by David O reilly. It's magnificent. It's superb. It's honestly the one piece of animated work i always remember when people ask me about my favorite short films. Genre defining. Make sure to check his video games (yes) and his art installations. David is a genius.

I loved it. Warning much strange violence and sex in it. During my viewing of it, I kept thinking of David Lynch's "Inland Empire", which this and O'Reilly's earlier movie "Please Say Something" both seem to have as a foster parent. However, I think "The External World" soars over O'Reilly's previous work in its scope. Whereas the previous movie had one main plot line and one small emotional note to it, this one weaves several short masterful if sardonic story lines together into one cohesive whole. The artwork will astound previous admirers of O'Reilly's work in that it is more accessible, more detailed and uses a brighter palette of colors and voices than the previous dots, lines and squeaks. I am on pins and needles wondering if O'Reilly will be able to top it. But even if he doesn't, there is no shame in setting the bar that high. This is a perfect match of meaning, mood, technique and humor, an achievement that deserves to be honored by a wider audience than short films usually reach.