Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, Rooney Mara, Chris Pratt, voice of Scarlett Johansson
Director: Spike Jonz
Once in a while, there comes a film that challenges the very fabric of social life that you have been so accustomed of, and yes, for me Her is one such ground breaking yet poignant movie. Elementally, it is a very human story about our need for connection.
Set in the near future, the film stars Phoenix as Theodore Twombly, a sensitive, damaged soul, who has a job composing letters on behalf of people who’re too busy to write to their loved ones. Heartbroken from his wife having left him, and lonely, Theodore spends his evenings alone in apartment, immersed in videogames. But all that changes when he installs a new operating system in his computer. Voiced with real passion and seduction by the sultry Scarlett Johansson, this artificially intelligent entity calls herself Samantha. She goes from organizing Theodore’s emails to becoming his confidante, and finally his lover.
The film’s sheer genius lies in the manner in which it takes what’s essentially a sci-fi premise, and adapts it smoothly and convincingly to the ups and downs of a romantic relationship. From the excitement of getting to know each other, to petty arguments, to the pain of drifting apart, Theodore and Samantha takes you on an emotional roller-coaster.
But the reason this film truly works is because of its closeness to reality. Theodore's unwillingness to to let go of his ex-wife and his emotional attachment with his best friend Amy is portrayed very elegantly. There are still moments are questionable like the few raunchy and detailed love-making scenarios , especially the one with surrogate lover for Samantha, which tends to creep you out, but on deeper analysis , I felt that these are parts which showed the directors perception about the connection between sexual and emotional intimacy . Also the movie tends to fall in a predictable groove after a while.
Yet these are minor blemishes in an otherwise sublimely original film that is majestic in the sheer emotions it portrays. Phoenix( I was shocked that he wasnt even nominated for the Oscar for this role), as Theodore, has a winning chemistry with Johanson’s Samantha, who is only heard, never seen, (yet is cream of the movie). Amy Adams too puts in an honest performance as his supportive, non-judgmental best friend.
Crisply shot in bright hues this is ultimately a deeply moving film about a romance that feels painfully authentic. It really shows you that real love is much- much more , than how cheesily it is presented normally in movies.
Rating : 4.25/5
