If there’s one film that makes you feel like the third wheel to a private relationship, ‘Her’ is just the film to do it.
Theodore (Joaquin Phoenix), a reclusive writer separated from his wife for so long, develops an intimate relationship with his new operating system, Samantha (voiced by Scarlett Johansson).
Spike Jonze, the screenwriter and director for ‘Her’, has taken a outwardly far-fetched relationship and has mirrored it to the kind of romantic relationship only so many humans are fortunate to have. Although a bit difficult to fathom, at first, Johansson and Phoenix, each with their uniquely charming approaches to their characters make us go beyond acceptance to astonishment with how well this relationship works.
Johansson voices the lovable operating system whose enthusiasm for finding out more about the world and investigating different feelings she experiences draws Theodore closer to her despite being just a voice. Her bubbly personality and her ability to empathize with those in the room come off in her portrayal adding joy to our leading man’s life as well as ours.
Phoenix, playing a loner yet to face his inner demons meets Samantha at a rather stagnant point in his life. It’s through this that we see layer after layer being broken down. In a scene where he receives heartbreaking news, Phoenix gives us yet another incredible performance as his mood swiftly shifts from worried to relieved and then to devastated. For any actor, this is a very difficult art to master and Phoenix handles it like a true performer. He also encompasses a sweetness that viewers won’t be able to ignore especially in the way he interacts with others in the film and his delivery in the scenes that reveal how good he is at his job writing passionate letters for couples to each other.
‘Her’ offers a look into a future where technology is more than just a means to get menial tasks done. We’re asked to imagine what it’d be like to not only rely on technology to do some of the thinking for us, but also completely give ourselves into technology. Are we really that far behind that idea? ‘Her’ is one answer to this question.
Lastly, if a man having an emotional relationship with his operating system wasn’t enough to make you scratch your head, ‘Her’ also examines their relationship on a physical level. (Do a double take if need be, but yes, you did just read that.) Trying to wrap one’s head around this factor may leave you dumbfounded after viewing ‘Her’, but it is in our confusion (and possible discomfort) in this moment that opens the door to this imminent possibility—two people not just sharing an emotional relationship, but also a physical relationship despite only one person having the actual means to do so. To touch on the uncomfortable factor, for just a moment, go back to that place in high school where multiple couples between classes would get together to demonstrate their affection. Did you feel uncomfortable then? If your answer is yes, it’s the same idea but magnified onto a big screen for your viewing pleasure (so to speak). The fact that it may even take you out of the film is what justifies the reality of their relationship. It’s a testament to their feelings and to Jonze’s abilities as a screenwriter.
Like the relationship in ‘Her’, at first glance, this film seemed unlikely to have its foot anywhere near reality. However, ‘Her’ accomplishes a feat that fully embraces originality and ambition. While buzz surrounding this film doesn’t quite place it in Best Picture status, it deserves a place in winning for Best Original Screenplay at the Oscars.
Jim’s Rating: 8.75/10