FILM REVIEW: “Her”

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Writer-director Spike Jonze's Academy Award (Oscar) winner for Best Original Screenplay, 2013’s “Her” is his first movie I have watched and, as usual, I am a latecomer because I watched this film just this week. But he has grabbed my imagination immediately and I plan to soon watch his Oscar nominated 1999 movie “Being John Malkovich”.

As far as I am concerned, winning a screenplay award is like winning a best film or best picture award, because, just as the best director category, a movie is like a best film if it wins accolades for best director and best screenplay/story.

“Her” shows how emotionally vulnerable humans can fall prey to just about any type of human, even “false” human connection in an era when artificial intelligence (AI) and social media is, paradoxically, preventing humans from forming a real bond. So don’t be surprised that Joaquin Phoenix’s character Theodore falls in love with his computer’s OS (operating system) voiced by Scarlett Johannson who goes by the name Samantha.

When Theodore is asked what he loves most about Samantha, his answer is very revealing about how humans develop a seemingly unnatural (or natural) bond with any entity that can mimic a human: this goes as far back as Steven Spielberg’s “A.I.: Artificial Intelligence” of 2001.

Theodore’s answer is: “Oh, God. She's so many things. I guess that's what I love most about her, you know? She isn't just one thing. She's so much larger than that.”

That just about summarizes what AI chatbots have become in our lives as this reply to his friends, played by Christ Pratt and Amy Adams, demonstrates.

"Her", about human connections and bonding in the age of AI, offers insightful thoughts about the nature of 'love' in whatever form it appears in our lives as long as it is the ‘l’ word. In other words, can you ever ‘unlove’ a person you have ever loved?

As Theodore says in the movie, there’s a piece of anyone you have ever loved that remains part of you and there’s no point in getting rid of that because that forms part of your life and will remain within our heart and mind forever.

Even if it is a paradox, I think this bit of love we feel for them contributes to our healing process - by letting our love for him/her remain because love is a universal element in the cosmos. I guess it's not surprising that all human "artworks" - ranging from literature, to art, to music, to songs, etc - are mostly based on some type of love we have for others whether it's romantic love, platonic love, etc.

"Her" is a deeply thought-provoking film that explores themes of love, loneliness, and the evolving nature of human connection in an increasingly digital age.

Here are some of its notable aspects:

Exploration of Human-AI Relationships: The film delves into the complexities of a romantic relationship between a human (Theodore played by Joaquin) and an artificially intelligent operating system (Samantha voiced by Scarlett). It raises questions about the nature of consciousness, intimacy, and whether genuine emotional connection is possible with AI.

Themes of Loneliness and Isolation: Theodore's character embodies a sense of modern-day loneliness, which is amplified by his divorce and the technologically driven world he inhabits. The film highlights the human desire for connection and the ways in which we seek to fill emotional voids.

Futuristic Yet Relatable Setting: The film creates a believable near-future world that feels both familiar and slightly unsettling. The aesthetic design, with its warm color palette and minimalist architecture, contributes to the film's unique atmosphere.

Strong Performances: Joaquin delivers a powerful and nuanced performance as Theodore, conveying his emotional vulnerability and longing. Scarlett's voice acting as Samantha is exceptional, bringing depth and emotional complexity to the AI character.

Award-Winning Screenplay: The film's dialogue and narrative explore profound philosophical questions about love, identity, and the human condition.

Exploration of evolving social interactions: The film shows how technology can change the way people interact with one another, and how it can also create new forms of social interaction.

In essence, Spike’s "Her" is a film that stays with viewers long after the credits roll, prompting reflection on the evolving relationship between humans and technology, and the enduring human need for connection.