help with vlc player

I downloaded vlc dragged to apps tried load a movie clip [22 sec] I get no screen just a control bar. The clip was saved as a quick time movie. Their web site is hard to understand for a new mac user. No one replied to my questions on vlc forum. I have no clue at this point how to use this player.

 

I went though open file to look at my play list I then choose a file to play. I got a second count down ton the video bar but no window or sound .