Notes on short film- 'Operator'

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 Cinematography:

  • Beginning- use of slow tracking/ dolly shots- contrasts with the action- we are hearing of people in danger, anxious and in need of assistance- the slow editing and shots allow us to take that in.
  • Close-ups- can see all facial expressions- we are able to see the Operator's thought process as she deals with the woman on the phone.
  • Mid-shot in profile- Actor is silhouetted by her computer screen- lit by her computer- clinical, harsh lighting, creates further drama and tension.
  • Frequent close-ups of Operator- we can see her thought process/ expressions, and the slow editing allows us to focus on the action and what the pair are saying to each other. 
  • lighting- electronically lit- adds to the clinical and coldness of the film- not really any warm tones present in colour.
  • The simple Cinematography contrasts with the action- the stillness of the camera adds to the tension as the spectator is forced to focus on what the Operator is saying and the situation of the Caller. We are spectating- we are very much voyeurs of the film and her life-  the film is episodic- she does this everyday- we are seeing a 'snap-shot' of her life.
What would you be interested in incorporating into your film?
  • The simplicity of the Cinematography was interesting- it built tension and suspense without being complex- it contrasted with the action in the film- I understand that in order to have the desired effect the action in my film would also need to be in someway intense, but the stillness added tension- very effective- spectator forced to focus on action. 
General notes from viewing:
  • Dehumanising- adds to episodic view
  • We can see the operators surroundings- other calls she has to go through + the emotional strain she has to carry.
  • Open ending- satisfied in one way, we have seen one story close and are aware that the caller is safe, however- unsatisfied in another way, as we are unaware of the nature of the following call. 
  • Sound design- we can only hear the woman through the phone- this situates us with the Operator- we can hear what she hears- again, adds to episodic nature of the film- we are watching an excerpt of her day-to-day life. 

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