Main Idea & Theme: "Exodus" is about escaping the constraints of working life to find freedom and happiness, particularly in nature. The film encourages viewers not to be bound solely by their work but to seek out the beauty and adventure that the outdoors offer. The protagonist, visibly struggling with the monotony of his job, is shown contemplating his life, symbolizing the constraints and lack of freedom that working life imposes. He dreams of being in Australia’s southwest, hiking and diving among the reef, but wakes up, depressed and unhappy, forgetting his dream. A small plant on his desk rekindles the memory of his dream, leading him to smash his keyboard and computer—the tools of his oppression. This act symbolizes his desire to break free from the confines of work and find happiness in nature. The backpack he takes with him at the end, matching the one from his dream, signifies his escape into nature, where he finds true happiness and freedom. Genre, Style, & Narrative: The film's psychological genre is crucial in exploring the protagonist’s inner world, particularly through his dream and his symbolic connection with nature. The film’s style blends minimalism and surrealism. Minimalism highlights the dull, depressing nature of his working life, while surrealism, especially during dream sequences and the plant-triggered awakening, underscores his realization that he’s not destined for this life. The narrative structure, showing both the dream and real states of the protagonist’s mind, deepens the impact of the theme. For instance, the scene where the man sits on his bed before the dream sequence allows viewers to experience his internal torment, making the theme of escape more powerful. Influenced by David Fincher’s Fight Club, the depiction of the protagonist’s working life draws inspiration from the narrator's life in Fincher's film, reinforcing the theme of rebellion against monotonous existence. Purpose & Audience: "Exodus" aims to inspire those who feel unfulfilled in their work to pursue a life of exploration and freedom in nature. By setting the film in a generic work environment, it resonates with anyone feeling trapped, encouraging them to connect with the protagonist’s journey. The film also targets those with an adventurous spirit who are hesitant to act on it. The protagonist’s decision serves as an example, urging viewers to embrace their adventurous side and break free from what holds them down. Editing: Editing "Exodus" involved meticulous work to convey the protagonist's emotional journey. Color grading was used to reflect his mood—warm tones for moments of freedom and happiness, and cool, grey tones for his entrapment and depression. Audio was carefully managed to remove any disruptions and ensure clarity. The opening shot required extensive masking and keyframing to seamlessly integrate the car and character with the text. Music was aligned with the editing cuts to reinforce the idea that the protagonist's sense of freedom is the correct way for him to feel. Digital removal of the camera and crew reflections was necessary to maintain continuity, and scenes shot from different angles were edited to create a cohesive narrative. Sound Design: Sound effects were recorded using a microphone and carefully tampered with to match the setting. Additional sound effects were sourced from copyright-free locations online. The song "Against All Odds" was chosen for its ability to convey the adventurous and spiritual feelings that transcend the protagonist during his moments of true ambition, such as during the dream and the film's conclusion. Cinematography: The close-ups and clustered framing of the office sequences emphasize the protagonist's sense of entrapment. Lighting was kept at bland, cool levels to reflect his discomfort in working life. A ½ pro-mist filter was used during the dream sequence and ending to create a dreamy feel, with warm color temperatures adding to the sense of freedom and fulfillment. A DJI Mavic Pro drone was used for aerial shots, symbolizing the protagonist's ascension from his past life, while a GoPro Hero 10 was used for underwater scenes to capture the beauty of nature. The use of an 18mm lens during the character’s epiphany in the office symbolised his psychological shift, moving from claustrophobia to openness. Art Direction: The film's art direction focused on creating a bland, depressing office environment to evoke the protagonist’s confinement. Key props, like the pot plant and hiking bag, symbolize his desire for freedom. The plain grey car reinforces his prolonged entrapment, while the cluttered office space and empty home represent his overworked mind and lack of fulfillment. The film’s settings mirror the protagonist’s mental state, visually reinforcing the theme of escape.