*. Being a short film, just over 20 minutes, you can cut it some slack for having a very simple message. Which is that the grass is always greener on the other side. Meaning it really isn’t. It’s just a trick of perspective.
*. So the young couple with kids have new neighbors who are even younger but have no kids and (thus?) enjoy fantastic sex in full view of everyone wanting to look in their window. Apparently they don’t approve of drapes. The couple with kids feel a twinge — I don’t think it’s really more than a twinge — of envy. They’re getting old, not having sex (or at least very much), and the kids are a drag. And now they have their very own live porn channel across the way.
*. As things turn out, however, the younger couple are not as carefree as they seem. In fact, they have reason to envy the couple with kids. You see? Be thankful for what you have in life and don’t go comparing yourself to others.
*. You can see what I mean by a very simple message. Trite even. But The Neighbors’ Window still effectively strikes the right note of sadness.
*. I lift an eyebrow at it winning an Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film, but writer director Marshall Curry (who had previously only worked in documentaries) introduces a couple of nice touches. I like how the window watching is seen (by the wife) as a metaphor for a porn habit, and how this is subtly underlined by her coming home to find her husband on his laptop alone. Then there’s also the Halloween decoration of a skeleton taped to the window that foreshadows the next turn in the story.
*. That said, this just doesn’t strike me as that accomplished or profound a short. There were angles that might have been introduced, like the pairing of voyeurism and guilt, that don’t get any play. Even at 20 minutes it seems a bit slow, especially with a median musical interlude that I didn’t see as having any real purpose. Well before it was over I got the point, and that’s all that I got.
Alex on Film 
I saw this a while back, didn’t realise it was up for an award. Thought it was a bit cliche really, but nicely filmed.
Yeah, I thought it was just OK, but as you say there’s wasn’t a whole lot here aside from the obvious.
I see no Michael Caine, spies, or leprechauns in this, so what’s the point?
Well, there is spying. I mean, they’re looking at the other couple through the window. So there’s that.
That’s not proper Harry Palmer spying.
They’re amateurs! And the spy movies are a wrap now and I’m building up for my next big theme-related stretch of updates.
A boxed set of Bring It On movies? A look back at the Ernest Goes to Camp franchise?
Not Bring It On, but maybe Carry On. Ernest is never going to happen. Still have Critters to get to as well.
Oh dear god. The Carry On movies?? Blerk.
I’ve done a couple of them already. Will post a few more sporadically. You’d prefer Critters?
Yes I think so as I haven’t seen them. But your choice really, 🙂
I’ll line them up for next week. The first two weren’t bad . . .
Cool! Will look forward to them!
Critters please.
OK, Critters are coming. And no complaining. You asked for it!
Best of a bad bunch. Your local library stock it?
I have the DVDs in my private collection.
The only other option I have for you is Body Snatchers. Some good movies there.
First three are awesome! 56, 78, and the Military one?
Yeah, those are the good ones. The Kidman vehicle was a mess. Plus I had some other related movies tossed in. Coming attractions!
Can we toss them back out again if we don’t like them?
It’s a package deal. You can’t just have the cashews. You have to eat the Brazil nuts too.
Well, won’t be having any of your nuts, thanks!
Nuts are healthy!
I’ll have mine straight from the packet…thanks.
*sigh*
Yes but are they sensitive ones?
I’m not sure if I’m the one to answer that . . .
Oh I thought you were the expert!
I did just have some cashews. They were great.
Love them in chicken and yellowbean sauce!
You can’t go wrong with the classics.
True, Sweet & Sour King Prawn balls! No nuts, but balls!
Well of course!