The Operator (2000)

45% of critics liked it
(20 reviews)
50% of users liked it
(52 ratings)

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… More 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

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 42 min.
Directed By: Jon Dichter
Written By: Jon Dichter
Genres: Mystery & Suspense, Comedy

In Theaters: Mar 4, 2000 Wide
On DVD: Mar 19, 2002
Studio: Black Wolf Productions

Critic Reviews

Eric Harrison, Houston Chronicle
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.
Jane Sumner, Dallas Morning News
Except for its excesses and too-easy end, Mr. Dichter's original script takes us into Coen country.
Andrew Sarris, New York Observer
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.
David Edelstein, Slate
Ends up feeling suffocatingly self-centered.
Jan Stuart, Newsday
The closer we get to unveiling Shiva ... the more ludicrous a conceit she becomes.
Lou Lumenick, New York Post
A nifty little indie sleeper.
Eli Sanders, Seattle Times
This debut film from local writer-director Jon Dichter has an interesting concept, but its execution feels a bit amateurish, especially in the dialogue.
Sean Axmaker, Seattle Post-Intelligencer
...Dichter expects us to accept his abrupt transformation from ruthless player to spiritual convert with nothing more than a teary confession.
Ted Murphy, Baseline.Hollywood.com
... a showcase for Michael Laurence, a little-known New York theater actor, who delivers a persuasive and finely detailed portrait of a despicable man.
Harry Haun, Film Journal International
The film would benefit from another pair of eyes.
Frank Swietek, One Guy's Opinion
The kind of picture for which the phrase 'shows promise' was invented...As a theatrical offering, though, it's way out of its league.
Maitland McDonagh, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Though clearly shot on a shoestring, it's handsome, tightly written and generally well acted.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
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.
Christopher Null, Filmcritic.com
A pretty good time, especially considering its obvious budget constraints.