Review of The Operator

The Operator (2000)
8/10
Somewhat predictable but some nice touches
29 March 2003
It isn't hard to see where this farce is going right off the bat. Gary-the-lawyer-on-the-make is such an SOB you just know he is ready to take a fall. Just how big and how it happens can't be described without spoiling the movie, but the character manages an interesting mix of savvy and desperation as it is revealed to him what kind of hell he is sliding into. He is utterly no match for his antagonist, but the telling point is when he finally realizes that it doesn't matter.

One scene that deserves attention because it elevates this movie above what it otherwise would have been was when Gary, who has gone as low as he can go, turns to a minister for advice. The minister and he know each other because Gary recently had the minister rejected from the jury pool of a case he was defending because his client objected to the fact the man is African. The conversation they have turns out to be meaningful, and comes off as quite genuine.

It is also interesting that "the Operator" is never seen except the briefest of flashes. This shows more restraint than directors usually exercise (or are permitted) in this kind of movie.

The overall result is entertaining, so go see it.
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