adywan said:
If the cropping had anything to do with making the camera look like it's not being shot through the window, then why the hell crop shots like this:
yet a few moments later he leaves this shot uncropped..
And why crop this shot at all?
The first cropped frame you've shown here definately makes the cockpit seem more cramped, the uncropped shot looks too spacious compared to how the cockpit looked in Star Wars, so the cropped shot is an improvement in my book while watching the film. I agree with you that the uncropped frame doesn't look like a set in this shot though, so its a closer call which framing is preferable.
As to why he changes to the uncropped shot later though, I have no idea to be honest, maybe he was forgetful or he had some reason, i'd have to watch that bit again to make any real assessment. Doesn't change the fact that the cropped shot looks more cramped and therefore better serves the story narrative IMHO.
The second cropped shot seems more intended to emphasise the ship outside by making it larger in the frame than to make the cockpit seem more cramped, whether than is necessary or indeed improves the shot is debatable. I would personally lean towards the cropped framing here if I had to make a choice but I don't think it makes much difference either way. The first cropped shot makes much more of a positive difference IMHO.