Operator

 OPERATOR

Operator - what is the significance of the title?

- The operator is defined by her job within the confines of the film- as a viewer, we barely know anything about her because it is crucial to her job that she remains unaffected 

Why is it important to the success of the film that we get an insight into other calls at the start?

- It reinforces the idea that this is just a snapshot of her life and that there are hundreds of people out there just like her 

Consider the use of cinematography - how many kinds of shots are there?

- The camera remains at eye level with the operator and only switches to close-up when the operator begins to speak about personal details with the caller 

Consider the ending - is closed or open? Is it satisfactory? How do we feel as a viewer? 

- The ending is open as we see the operator pick up the next call

- There is a very strong sense that the call we have just witnessed was completely unremarkable as she deals with hundreds like it every day 

How many cuts are there? Why? What is the effect?

- There are very minimal cuts which adds to the tension as well as creating a more realistic piece of film 

Why is this story particularly apt for the short film medium?

- It is a snapshot of the operator's life and can therefore be filmed as if in real time 

Consider the sound design - how does it contribute to the sense that this is just one episode of many throughout this character’s working day?

- There are many overlapping sounds coming from the office which reinforces the idea that this operator is not unique 

Consider the mise-en-scene - what kind of an environment is this, and how is it presented to us? Are there any personal touches from the characters?

- It is very much a professional workspace

- The operator has some photos of family on her desk but they are not in focus showing that she must remain focused on her job 




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