Short Film Analysis: Operator

Operator (2015)- Dir. Coraline Bartleet

This film uses dialogue and sound so effectively that it produces a nailbiting drama and action film without showing any action. We are positioned with the operator, with no visuals to aid with the narrative it forces the audience to visualize what is happening. The camera is still throughout this paired with the dialogue makes you feel like you have watched a lot more than you actually have., contradicting your expectations as the viewer of an action/drama film to be seeing shots of the firefighter or the woman in distress but instead, you are forced to focus on the operators very emotionless face, representing someone just doing their job, in a situation where most people would find extremely stressful or horrific. The feeling of entrapment is almost passed onto the viewer as the shortness of breath on the phone line and panicked tone paired with the shot of the operator between the two computer monitors creates an almost anxious feeling making the viewer forced to emphaise with the woman in distress.