The Operator (2015)

 Operator, by Caroline Bartleet, is a short drama which takes place in a call centre where one of the operators receives a call from mother, Gemma, who is stuck in her house with her son, caught in a fire. 

The short film begins with a blank screen and an operator picking up the call, the camera then pans across the different operators in close up, the diegetic sound emphasising the tense and chaotic environment that is established in the shots. The use of sound is particularly effective as once the camera cuts to the main operator who we follow through the film, the sound from the phone call is increased, making the spectator better able to follow their conversation and engage with the film. The use of a shallow depth of field combined with the camera establishing a more extreme close up shot also allows for the spotlighting of their conversation, moving in closer as the intensity of their call increases. Throughout the film the use of diegetic sound is used to heighten the overwhelming and stimulating atmosphere curated, aiding in the film's dramatic effect as all of the off-screen action is demonstrated through this use of sound, whether it be the phone calls or the accompaniment of unabating typing. However this is until the main phone call where all the off-screen sound of the busy call centre is muted, the spectator fully concentrating on the operator call with the woman. As the spectator is fully engaged with the call, when the sound is cut off and a ringing effect is used whilst the operator repeatedly asks ‘hello?’ to see if the woman is okay, this further elevates the tension within the scene, the spectator unknowing whether something has happened or the call just got cut off. The use of a long take maintains this curated tense environment. 

Once the call is over and all has been resolved, the sudden moment of silence in close up, however less close up than before, where the operator has a moment to breathe demonstrates the intensity of her  day and occupation, making the spectator empathise with her and how consuming these calls can be. Finally, the diegetic sound resumes, the operator continuing her day. The use of lighting and shadows also accompanies this disquietude state in the film, the dark shadows of the operator's environment and face contrast with the bright lights of the screen. Overall i found the film very engaging, the long takes and close up especially fully immersed me in the film and storyline.