Her
The idea of love between a man and a machine this Valentine’s Day may seem absurd. But tell me, if you are sat in a restaurant or bar this evening, glance over the tables around you and describe what you see. You’ll find that those not completely raptured in love are pawning over little light screens, tapping incessantly into vapid computers and communicating with someone other than their date. True, we are in the technological advancement but phones have replaced interaction, talking and soon they could replace our love life. How many of you have fallen asleep with your phones lately rather than another human?
This issue is addressed by Spike Jonze’s epic new romantic drama Her. Starring Joaquin Phoenix and the vocal talents of Scarlett Johansson, it centres on Theodore Twombly, a writer of love card and letters for a company and a recent divorcee. With the recent technological advancements, everyone including Theodore acquires an operating system that is in tune for you exact needs. Theodore’s is called Samantha and soon the pair hit it off and slowly but surely, falls in love. But can there ever be affection between man and robot? It’s a tantalising beautiful piece of cinema.
This could easily be a boring or simplistic story that fits too easily into the romantic comedy elements. However, Her is a fantastically endearing and unique look at life as we know it. Written and directed by Spike Jonze, this movie is beautiful, honest and full of heart. Jonze has a talent in making these innocent and almost naïve portrayals of human nature without being condescending or two fluffy. The writing flows with this stunning narrative that doesn’t derive into clichés. At times wry, and often witty, there is humorous observations at the state of the modern love affair with technology.
The acting here is outstanding and Phoenix, who has thankfully given up all attempts at a rap career, plays Twombly with this earnest likeability. Conveying the troubles of love, both human and electronic, you relate to him and only a masterful actor like Phoenix can play it off. Funnily enough, despite not seeing her for the whole movie, Scarlett Johansson’s vocal performance is so breathtakingly captivating that you can see why Theodore falls helplessly in love with her. Breezy and light hearted, she is also able to tackle the harsher and more sorrow-filled moments effortlessly. As well as bit players like Amy Adams and Chris Pratt, this is a cast full of strength and dynamics.
Her is a wonderful piece of drama that astutely looks at love and the human need for love. While never faltering from the main relationship, it still is impacts it’s wisdom in a funny way and stunning way. This outstanding achievement by Jonze sees him in the running for an Oscar this year and it will be hard not to want to him. Her is a different calibre of romantic movie; it makes you think, feel and laugh all at the same time.
TTFN
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