The Operator (2001)

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.