Her
(2013)
Wow,
I really like this movie a lot. I generally don't like love or
romantic stories, but this movie is a charming and unique take on a
romantic tale. What would happen if someone fell in love with an AI,
and I mean truly fell in love? This movie explores that. Yes, there
are some creepy moments here and there with the relationship. The
movie is sweet and a little strange in that Spike Jonze type of way.
Joaquin
Phoenix's
character is a professional letter writer. One day, he downloads a
new operating system. The system links up with his personality and
forms a female voice. Voiced perfectly by Scarlett
Johansson.
The OS goes by Samantha. The actual OS is an AI and the two of them
fall in love.
Phoenix
is great as a dull guy that keeps to himself, however he is extremely
good at conveying letters. While his character is strange, there is
a sense of warmth to him. I actually believe he would fall in love
with a voice. I really like Joaquin as an actor because he seems to
always give it his all.
Johansson
does an outstanding job with her witty voice and I damn near fell in
love with her. What's interesting is Johansson wasn't the original
voice of Samantha. Samantha
Morton did the voice on set for the actors and actually did a
recording for the movie. Later, Spike
Jonze recast her with Johansson. I think it was a smart
decision.
The
other thing about the movie is there are bigger themes going on
behind the scenes with the OS (AI). Samantha isn't merely an OS, she
is actually a learning and feeling AI that wants to expand her
knowledge and creates artwork. Later as the story progresses, we
learn that other OS are expanding their knowledge and outlook on the
world. It gets a little metaphysical in the last part of the third
act and there's even a twist. This twist sort of turns their
relationship on it head that's for sure.
I
really like how the movie discusses what it is to be human. The
movie says that perhaps it is our knowledge and memories that make us
human more than just a collection of blood cells and skin. Can two
people from different plans of existence really fall in love? Can we
really fall in love with a voice? And, the movie goes into deeper
into these meaning as the movie progresses, with a few creepy and
funny moments thrown in. It is also refreshing to see people willing
to be open to an AI having a relationship. OS and AI types seem to
be the norm in this future.
As
quirky as he is, Spike
Jonze is in top form with the writing and directing. This is
nice little movie that tricks you into a deeper meaning of love and
life that wouldn't be possible in a normal romance story. Cool
little movie, Jonze.
Grade:
B+
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