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The Operator (2001)
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Reviews Counted:20
Fresh:9
Rotten:11
Average Rating:5/10
Theatrical Release:Oct 12, 2001 Limited
Synopsis: Womanizing, gambling hotshot lawyer Gary Whelan (Michael Laurence) finds his life turned upside down after he insults a telephone operator (Jacqueline Kim) in this offbeat black comedy. Deciding to... Womanizing, gambling hotshot lawyer Gary Whelan (Michael Laurence) finds his life turned upside down after he insults a telephone operator (Jacqueline Kim) in this offbeat black comedy. Deciding to "balance his karmic debt," the operator--calling herself Shiva (the Hindu god of destruction)--uses her security access to strip Wheelan of his money, car, credit cards, wedding ring, even his cell phone. Things get even more dire when she masterminds his break up with his wife (Christa Miller) and even sets him up for murder. Writer/director Jon Dichter adds spiritual resonance to this Hitchcockish indie, employing themes like Christianity, Eastern philosophy and "the cause and effect of the spirit" to add resonance to Wheelan's downfall and possible redemption. Good performances are had from veteran character actor Stephen Tobolowsky as Wheelan's intellectual bookie, and Brion James (Leon from BLADERUNNER) as Vernon, Wheelan's sleazy banker client who has been called up on charges for selling worthless bonds. Effective use of the Dallas, Texas locale lends the film unusual atmosphere and flavor. Best of all, its uplifting spiritual message is delivered in a reasonably acerbic and non-sticky manner. [More]
Starring: Michael Laurence, Jacqueline Kim, Brion James, Christa Miller
Starring: Michael Laurence, Jacqueline Kim, Brion James, Christa Miller, Stephen Tobolowsky, Frances Bay, Lori Heuring
Director: Jon Dichter
Director: Jon Dichter
Screenwriter: Jon Dichter
Producer: Jon Dichter
Composer: Victor Zupac
Studio: Black Wolf Productions
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Reviews for The Operator
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.
...Dichter expects us to accept his abrupt transformation from ruthless player to spiritual convert with nothing more than a teary confession.
... a showcase for Michael Laurence, a little-known New York theater actor, who delivers a persuasive and finely detailed portrait of a despicable man.
The kind of picture for which the phrase 'shows promise' was invented...As a theatrical offering, though, it's way out of its league.
Except for its excesses and too-easy end, Mr. Dichter's original script takes us into Coen country.
The problem with the central character is that he starts off on such a low note of weak resistance that he doesn’t have all that far to fall.
Though clearly shot on a shoestring, it's handsome, tightly written and generally well acted.
It's not very often you get to see a feature film in which Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian wisdom work together to save a person's soul.
The closer we get to unveiling Shiva ... the more ludicrous a conceit she becomes.
Until it swerves out of control, however, The Operator ... offers a reasonably entertaining caricature of macho nouveau-riche hubris.
Would be insufferably preachy if it weren't such a rookie's-first-day botch.
A pretty good time, especially considering its obvious budget constraints.
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 77% 77% | The Hangover |
| 88% 88% | Inglourious Basterds |
| 66% 66% | Public Enemies |
| 24% 24% | G-Force |
| 44% 44% | Night at the Museum: B… |
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 90% 90% | District 9 |
| 86% 86% | 500 Days of Summer |
| 63% 63% | Extract |
| 06% 06% | All About Steve |
| 78% 78% | It Might Get Loud |
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