Universe, a short film made by the infamous B-unit of the Canadian National Film Board in 1960, is one of the best films ever made and one of my favourites. This (under 30 minute) film inspired Kubrick's "2001: A Space Oddyssey", which itself inspired Lucas' "Star Wars", which itself inspired all other science fiction. My earlier reference to the filmmakers (infamous B-unit) is in regards to a group of filmmakers who made a series of instructional documentaries for the Canadian film board. Upon deeper analysis of these films, and particularily Universe, one finds a hidden philosophy which can allude to the meaningless of life and a kind of anti-americanism which is at the core of all the B-unit films.
Universe itself is a breathtaking film with visuals as yet unmatched by today's expensive special effects. The effects in Universe make one feel small and insignificant as if our existence is arbitrary, unimportant, and even vulnerable. We're shown the Universe as a cold void which is indifferent to our cries of "What does it all mean?" However, for those not willing to give this film the analysis which it deserves, Universe can be enjoyed just on the visuals alone which can watched again and again. I've stopped short from giving a detailed description of the plot so that anyone reading this before seeing the film can simply sit down and let the film wash over you. Enjoy!