Jon Dichter directs this taut psychological thriller about a narcissistic man getting his overdue comeuppance from a vengeful telephone operator. Lawyer Gary Wheelan (Michael Laurence) lives the good life -- he has a beautiful wife, a huge bank account, and an excess of young female associates. He is accustomed to getting what he wants, and he tends to have a fit when he does not get it. Dissatisfied with his phone service, he berates the operator with such vituperation that the badly rattled
woman (Jacqueline Kim) resolves to fight back. Using a vast computer network, the operator slashes his credit rating, drains his bank account, and eventually ruins his marriage. The formerly smug Gary is soon overwhelmed and frantic as he tries to regain control of his life. ~ Jonathan Crow, Rovi
The movie goes way over the top near the end, but unlike Hollywood films, which would've added violence and a car chase, The Operator's excesses all are in keeping with its theme.
This debut film from local writer-director Jon Dichter has an interesting concept, but its execution feels a bit amateurish, especially in the dialogue.
... a showcase for Michael Laurence, a little-known New York theater actor, who delivers a persuasive and finely detailed portrait of a despicable man.
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