Operator

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This film was a documentary-style film, centred around a 999 operator. It gives us an insight into the highly stressful atmosphere of an emergency call, and evokes empathy for a job which we don't give much thought about. A sense of continuity is created with the inclusion of the more trivial calls at the beginning of the film, and we are given the impression that the cycle will continue until another emergency call comes in.

I think that the use of cinematography in the beginning of the film is particularly effective, as the close-up shots with panning movements establish the space of the call centre, without using dialogue.

Overall, the cinematography is actually very minimal, as it facilitates the importance of the performance and the sound of the phone callNot many kinds of shots are actually used, we see meduim close ups, close ups, medium shots and over the shoulder shots. But we remain in the same small space for the whole of the film.

The ending is open, as with the beginning of another call makes us feel as though this work is continuous. We feel exhausted on behalf of the operator, and think about how it must feel to be in this position. As it follows a short space of time and doesn't necessarily follow the narrative structure of a full novel or feature film

Performance is framed by the use of other microelements, the cinematography allows us to focus on it, and the use of sound spotlights important moments of performance, such as the deep exhale at the end of the call.

I was most compelled by the subtle use of cinematography and editing to frame performance:

• Close up of the operator's face from different angles, e.g against a glowing white computer screen which creates a strong profile. - close up shots are used throughout to situate the viewer into the operator's space and situation, and to bring us into this personal space where we can see her reactions and emotions

• Shots slowly become closer and closer with each cut, as the call grows more intense, creating tension. A shallow focus is used so we just focus on the operator's face, this is a non-democratic shot that is used to bring us into the intense action. 

• As the call draws to a close, the tension is alleviated through a higher angled dolly across Lauren's desk, contrasting with the intense close-ups previously.

• When the call ends we also cut to a medium shot behind the computers, which is like a breath of relief to us as we are taken out of this intense emotion. Then another call begins, with the same shot, and we are only given a brief chance of recovery.

Overall a subtle use of cinematography creates tension and emotional investment in the situations, also it situates us in the operator's space.

I think this film expertly engages the viewer in such a short space of time through its simple yet effective use of micro-elements. By focusing on the call operator rather than the family in the emergency, we are made to imagine what the events may look like, as the operator does herself, therefore we are positioned to empathise with her. I am inspired by this unconventional viewpoint of dramatic events, as I think it is arguably more memorable for a viewer than seeing the drama unfold from the mother's perspective.

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