HER: Review
By Joy Bennett
Her, written and directed by Spike Jonze (who also directed Being John Malkovich and Adaptation) continues in his line of unique and unusual films that make you think, even as they entertain and amuse you.
Theodore, a lonely and sensitive fellow, played with great depth and feeling by Joaquin Phoenix, toils away each day writing beautiful letters for others for pay, along with missing his soon to be ex-wife. Then his life changes, as he gradually falls deeply in love with a computer operative system. But not just any operating system. Set slightly in the future, the computer program is intuitive, funny, sexy, and can sense and fulfill his every emotional need, even before he realizes them. Scarlett Johansson plays the voice of Samantha, who we never see but nevertheless, she does a terrific job conjuring up a disembodied character just with the sound of her voice. They even have cybersex, although the director discreetly turns the screen black while we are left to imagine them together.
Some of his friends are critical, especially his bitter ex-wife Catherine, played in a role much too small by Rooney Mara. Some accept it as naturally as relating to another human. Theirs is a full-blown relationship, complete with arguments, shared romantic moments, and every type of conversation, except perhaps, who will take out the garbage.
I can tell you, if they ever do create a program like that, sign me up. Who wouldn’t want a relationship without all the nuts and bolts of everyday life, with someone or some thing that could sense and meet your every emotional need? It would fly off the shelves!
Eventually, Theodore must come to terms with the limitations of such a relationship, and although we are left to wonder what will become of him, we are certain that given the sweet way they interact, these two really could and did have a full-blown romance, even though she was only a voice.
This movie is more a romance than hard-core science fiction. It’s sad, funny and touching, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Of particular note is Joaquin Phoenix. He is such a gifted actor, and brings amazing depth of feeling and conviction to every role he’s done. Scarlett Johansson also deserves note as well for fleshing out in every vocal nuance the arc of this romance, which could not have been easy.
Of interest is the fact that the director, after filming was completed, replaced the voice of the love interest. Samantha Morton‘s voice was removed and Scarlett Johansson’s filled in, to much expense, I imagine. It was worth it, although I didn’t hear the earlier version, Scarlett’s role was extremely well done.
Amy Adams has a supportive role as Theodore’s good friend and neighbor. Also called Amy in the movie, she does as usual a terrific job in a quieter role than is typical for her. Still, it’s always a pleasure to see her on screen.
Although the film is set a few years in the future, emotionally it’s not the future, it’s now. We are all really getting that disconnected. If there were a program to create a girlfriend or boyfriend from a software package it would sell out instantly. How many of us can have a more satisfying relationship with someone who is miles away, yet can barely speak to our own family?
Joaquin Phoenix and Scarlett Johansson are brilliant. She deserves the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. More a love story than science fiction, this was a surprisingly satisfying movie that will stay with you for some time to come. Great music, too, including some songs by Arcade Fire, a very interesting alternative band.