Research & Planning: Operator (2015)

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Operator (2015)

http://www.operatorshortfilm.com/


What I liked/disliked...

Probably the most obvious and prominent positive of the film is its ability to draw in, yet simultaneously rely entirely on the spectators' imaginations. This is complimented and heavily supported by the use of sound; by letting us listen to the action going on on the other side of the phone tension and suspense develops further, whilst the picture to go with it being different for everyone. 

There isn't anything significant that could be improved in my opinion. I think that perhaps the film could've been differently scripted, so that instead of a fire the storyline would include an attempted murder or some sort of violence. Perhaps the person on the line could've been a child? There is a number of real life touching and tragic phone calls between operators and children that can be found on youtube.


Aspects of Narrative

This film ideally follows the pattern found in storytelling; there is a complication in the form of a fire, and a growing tension as the mother and child wait for the fire brigade. The story comes to an end as the two are rescued. What's interesting is that the director shows us just how ordinary stories like these are; as the operator takes a breath and picks up another call we understand that this is just a fragment in a long day; that the narrative pattern will occur with each call and each will have its own resolution. 

Aspects of Genre

This is undoubtedly a drama; it is in touch with real life issues realistic characters (mother with child, a phone operator) face, and deals with emotion such as distress, despair and hope, as well as the concept of duty.










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