Operator

Narrative 

Equilibrium – A lady works as an emergency operator.

Disruption – She gets a call.

Recognition – She learns there is a fire in someone’s house.

Attempts to Repair – She calms the woman down and instructs her on what to do whilst telling the fire department where she is.

New Equilibrium – The lady is safe and she moves onto the next caller.

Gemma is the damsel in distress, trapped by the fire and in need of saving.

The operator is the hero, helping her to safety.

The fire is the villain. 

Lighting

The light is created by the computers on the operator’s desk and a small lamp. This creates both a calming contrast to the terrifying situations that they have to navigate, but also creates an ominous glow.

It makes it seem like an interrogation light, adding pressure onto the operator, signifying that it is all down to her to save this woman and her child. 

Costume, Hair and Makeup

The costumes are formal uniforms to show that they are in a serious environment and are working professionals. They have logos from the company. 

Setting

The setting is a 999 operating room where people with emergencies call for assistance and advice. It is night and in the United Kingdom. We never see the other side of the call as the camera stays on the operator.  

Character Expression

The actor playing Gemma has to rely slowly on her voice as we never leave the operating room and only hear her through the phone. She is very distressed, screaming and begging.

The operator keeps a calming voice and expression until Gemma stops replying. She gets panicked, raising her voice. By the certainty of her voice, you can tell she’s done this hundreds of times before.

There is a powerful moment after Gemma hangs up where the operator is allowed a moment silence to let out a breath and compose herself before the next calling, knowing that she has to keep going. 

Props 

 

The props help to establish setting and move the plot forward. The headset it used to communicate with Gemma.

The computers help to cast light on the operator and are used to find her location. 

Sound

The dialogue is the most important and prominent  sound.

In the background of the call, Gemma’s son can be heard and the sound of sirens.

The absence of sound is probably the most effective bit, where Gemma is given a chance to breath – the calm before the storm. 

Editing

The film uses simple match on action and cross cutting between different angles and shots of the operator. 

Cinematography

It starts with close up panning shots, going past other operators to establish the setting.

The rest of the film is compiled of close ups on the operator so that it is easy to see emotion and we know that is the main focus of the film.