‘Her’ is a film that reminds me why I like movies so much. It’s a film that challenges as well as entertains us. Spike Jonz writes and directs this fantastic film that is so intimate it could be done as a one man show if they ever decide to take it to Broadway. This film is an in depth examination on what it means to be in a relationship and it even challenges what a relationship is. Is it something that is shared or is it something that we feel within ourselves. No easy answers and no judgements.
In the very near future, Theodore (played to nerdy perfection by Joaquin Phoenix), a lonely romance writer, is having difficulty with the break up of his marriage. Being a techie at heart, he decides to try a new Siri like operating system that is supposed to be the pinnacle of Artificial Intelligence to help him organize his cluttered life. Upon activating the system and after a few basic benchmarking questions, the voice of Samantha (with a crush inducing voice by Scarlett Johanssan) springs to life. Instantly engaging and uplifting, Samantha sets out to learn more about Theodore in order to better customize herself (itself?) to his needs. Samantha is excited about her capacity to grow and learn. Despite understanding that Samantha is an operating system, the shy Theodore becomes instantly charmed.
In any other type of movie with this subject matter, we would be going down science fiction corridors. There would be demonic computers threatening to take over the world and races against the clock. Spike Jonz wants none of that. This is a close and intimate examination about connection and what it means be close. The science is just there to provide the platform to examine these things. As Samantha grows and learns, her and Theodore’s conversations become more personal. Her questions are more direct about what Theodore is feeling as well as an awakening that Theodore is understanding her as well. The scene where they finally consummate their relationship (akin to phone sex) could have been a disaster or incredibly cheesy had it been handled by a lesser director. Samantha is no idealized version of a woman (which ironically makes her all the more ideal), she develops hopes and dreams and insecurities like anyone else.
In today’s world, we constantly debate the isolating and dehumanizing effect of technology in our world. We lament how Facebook and texting are taking us away from human contact. This film takes the concept of technology to the next level and shows a world where technology can meet all our emotional needs. We want to think it’s dehumanizing, but what truly are the differences between the way Theodore falls in love with his computer and the travails of a normal relationship? Is a relationship something that happens between two people or is it the emotional experience that we live within ourselves? No matter how close and intimate we feel with someone (or something), we never fully know or understand the object of our affections. Is love forever or is it something that changes and morphs as we change and evolve as people? We cling to those moments in the past as we fail to realize that two people can evolve in different directions, no matter how pure their intentions or strong their love. Again, no easy answers, just questions that are posed.
This is my pick for movie of the year. It might get a few nominations, but it is too small and quiet a film to make any significant splash at the Oscars. Joaquin Phoenix continues to top himself with every performance, but the real reason this film works is that the audience falls in love with the voice of Scarlett Johansson’s Samantha, just like Theodore. The audience truly feels the isolating intimacy between the two and becomes lost in it. Even though this film could technically be considered Science Fiction, it is far from it. This is more about the human condition our capacities for love than anything else. This film is a joy from start to finish.
I give this film **** stars
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