When you think about a film that centers around a lonely writer that falls in love with a sophisticated computer operating system, you probably think how silly that idea sounds. But if you think about it in todays current social media context and the way that smart phones have infiltrated our lives, it may not be as absurd as you imagine.
When you think about a film that centers around a lonely writer that falls in love with a sophisticated computer operating system, you probably think how silly that idea sounds. But if you think about it in todays current social media context and the way that smart phones have infiltrated our lives, it may not be as absurd as you imagine.
Joaquin Phoenix plays Theodore Twombly, the lonely writer in question. Being lovelorn after the recent break-up with his wife, the love of his life, Theodore hears about a new advanced computer operating system that has a learning, intuitive A.I. He installs it and thus instigates the cultivation of a surprising relationship.
There is a beautiful sublety in the science fiction aspect of HER. The world of the not-so-distant future created here is one of the most realistic depictions I’ve seen. There are no flying cars, no robot helpers, no post-apocalyptic visions. Just some little changes in fashion and urban landscapes. But nothing drastic. Many people populate the scenes, and they are, instead of engaging in face-to-face communication, all either speaking via bluetooth devices, or some kind of smart phone. Pretty much like it is now but more so.
The performances are great here. Joaquin is sensitive and, for lack of a better word, “normal”. Scarlett Johansson plays Samantha, the intuitive, ever-changing and learning opertating system. I guess I should say, the voice of the operating system, since we don’t ever see her as a corporeal being. But she expresses herself so vividly by voice alone that she totally holds your attention anyway. Amy Adams plays Theodore’s neighbor and friend, Amy. There’s a character name she can easily remember. But she is also really wonderful and natural here, and such a different character than her role in American Hustle, which, by the way, is a really good film.
The only qualm I might have here is that because Scarlett Johansson has such a recognizable voice, the image of her pops into your head. It might have been better to have someone less immediately recognizeable in the role. However, then you may have gotten someone that wasn’t quite as adept an actress. Who knows.
The thing about HER is that it may appeal to some people and not to others depending on, well, how pragmatic someone tends to be? Or how much one can suspend their disbelief, and how deeply they allow themselves to be immersed in their imagination. It was clear to me that some viewers couldn’t supress their chuckles when certain scenes of intimacy transpired between Theodore and Samantha, or when she exhibited a certain level of what can only be called jealousy. How can anyone take that seriously from a computer? But this is exactly the kind of thing this film examines. It challenges our ideas about relationships and love.
HER, as well as being a science fiction film, IS primarily about the nature of relationships, how we connect to other people in an intimate way, unconditional love, and how we navigate the obstacles we find there. There are moments where some people may be uncomfortable, if not many people. I certainly agree that there is a lot to challenge viewers here, but that can only be a good thing. (If you’re looking for smart films, you don’t go to Michael Bay, right?) But I also think there is so much happening in HER that is happening in a very similar context, now, every day. When you think about all the people that become enamored with someone they have only “met” online, is it really all that far to think that someone might fall for a disembodied computer personality? Again, it probably would depend on the individual. But then what if that personality had a robot body? Could you imagine it then? Can love only be unconditional if you eliminate the physical? Could you love at all without the physical? How much of our relationship woes simply stem from our insecurities or pre-conceived notions?
Whatever moments of awkwardness this film provides, and there are one or two, luckily writer/director Spike Jonze injects enough humor to the tone of the film so not to make those moments feel too heavy. I really liked HER. Keep an open mind, and if for any reason at all, see this for the relevant way love is portrayed in a world we may not be far from. Four kittenhands.
~ Neil T. Weakley, your average movie-goer, hoping everyone had a happy holiday and a Happy New Year! Cheers!