Operator (2015) - Sixth Set Work Review

Title: Operator

Year: 2015

Director: Caroline Bartleet

Running Time: 6 minutes

Genre: Suspense

I'm going to start by saying that when I finished watching Operator (on my own with headphones as opposed to in class this time) I realised my heart was beating faster than it had been 6 minutes ago; I was on edge for a good 5 minutes after. It's an incredibly captivating and suspenseful film that gives the audience an insight into the extremely stressful and important job of the emergency call phone operator.

This short film of only 6 minutes utilises it's time, like most of the other short films we've looked at (i.e. so far every film other that Echo, which is 17 minutes in length), by only having one scene; focusing on one lot of action makes it easier to show more in less time. Operator is an amazing example of using this to full effect. Quite a lot of the time, the camera movement follows the stress levels of the situation; a mix of medium close-ups and close-ups accentuating the suspense. This, along with the brilliantly authentic performance from the operator (little things like stumbling over her words etc.) and the lack of information we get from the other end of the phone, all helps to successfully hold the audiences attention and and really put them in the operator's shoes.

If I was to make my own film I would most likely make it only one scene in length (or maybe with an added short second scene like the screenplay I wrote before the summer). Other things to note from Operator are the selective use of only a few kinds of shots, keeping it simple but still very effective.

Finally, as a last thought, I personally loved the soundtrack to the credits. I think it does an excellent job of matching the situation that has just occurred. As a Music Technology student and a great lover of film music (and how music is used in film) generally, it always interests me to pay close attention. So when it comes to my own work, even if it's a screenplay, I will be sure to take great care with my music and sound choices.

I couldn't recommend Operator enough. It's well deserving of it's awards and I highly suggest you experience it for yourself.