The Operator

 Operator

Narrative > linear (chronological order) it starts from the introduction to the operator and it goes from there. The cause and effect of the film would mostly likely be the main point that there is a fire - and that is what effects the rest of the story from her going up the stairs to them being rescued.

Three Act Structure - the equilibrium is the showcase of an everyday moment for these operators at their desks - Most of the calls we over hear are less serious compared to what we are about to be shown. The climax in the film would be when we no longer hear from Gemma on the other end of the line, instead we hear loud noises and the burning of the rapid fire, as well as Gemma seeming to scream before not saying anything else - this is the point where we as an audience are worried and impacted most because the narrative creates a sympathetic appeal towards Gemma and her child due to their situation, now not knowing what is going on we feel worried for what is occurring.

Genre > This film follows genre conventions of Drama, through the use of tension and creating a rising point till the climax, and then even though it drops down a bit afterwards, it then rises a bit again because Gemma begins to panic. It fully dramatizes right from the beginning to the end, when we see her take a break for only a few seconds and then have to deal with the next caller. Making a standing point.

Representations > Gender stereotypes are portrayed through Gemma, her freaking out, mother instincts, panic and more. This is a binary opposite to the operator, Laura, who is calm and guiding them to safety, she is using her instincts and knowledge. Laura acts as the hero in this film, which typically is portrayed by men in media and film.

Micro Elements:

Sound > It is all diegetic sound during the movie, and it is all impactful on the storyline and aligning with the audience. We can hear the spitting fire, and the collapsing of the house, we are made to understand the seriousness of this situation. This film very much relies on sound to communicate the storyline for us - we cannot see Gemma and her situation, we can only hear what the operator hears on the phoneline. Yet we are still severely impacted emotionally wise whilst we hear all the things happening. More diegetic sound is created from Gemma, hearing her scream and her coughing as she struggles to breathe.

Cinematography > Range of camera shots even though it is set in one location - Close ups on the operator, as analysis on her facial expressions, this is an opposite to after the call when we see Laura clearly very impacted by what has just happened.

Lighting > low-key lighting adds to the drama and tension

Mise en scene (costume) > Context is provided via costume, we see they are operators because of their uniforms and their headsets.

(props) The computers and tech which is used for these operators calls

(Setting/Location)Begins by panning the operator phone call room, sets the scene and the story. It is only set in one place, this is done on purpose to signify how and what its like for an operator, it focuses on just her (Laura) nothing else.

Editing > The editing in Operator is so simplified and micro, that most don’t even notice it. There isn’t a huge array of scenes in this short film - it’s focused around the operator herself, and her actions and emotions. The micro detailing includes different shots consistently changing from one angle to the next throughout the scene, this creates tension between both the operator and the woman on the other line as well as us, the audience.

Performance > An important role of the actresses performance in this film, creates the right statement to the audience. Her so called calm tone and lean-back manner/behaviour really push her as an skilled and knowledgeable operator, who is good at their job. However, when we see her break down and struggle to take in what she just had to do and be a part of we realise, maybe she isn't so strong as we originally thought. Not as a criticism, but instead, a sympathetic and understanding approach as an audience and as a human being. We realise she isn't okay, we start to know how hard her job is and how stressful it can be, it seems as though it really affects her and her life. Kate Dickie plays as the operator in the film, although I don't believe her fame is an important factor for this film, her performance and true understanding really shock as after her other performances in her well-known series/movies. Kate plays a much more empathetic character we as an audience align to then she has before. Her most notorious roles are 'Game of Thrones', 'Loki', 'Peaky Blinders' and more British dramas.

Influence > I like the idea of creating something which has such a bigger meaning and response the way this film does. Highlighting a key issue, and the truth of what it is like to be an operator - it’s such an emotionally draining job to hear people literally beg for their lives to you and then have to hang up and just move on to the next call. It’s a deeper meaning and I’d like to be able to portray something like that in my own short film. Meaning and response and audience interpretation