It's "Artificial Intelligence" Meets "Annie Hall" In Spike Jonze's "Her", Which Is A Joy To Behold.

“Her” (15)
Director: Spike Jonze.
Starring: Scarlett Johanssen (voice only), Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams and Christ Pratt.
Rated: 15 for containing, strong language and sex references.
Running time: 126 minutes.
Released in the UK, on the 14th of February 2014.

Set in the near future, Theodore Twombly (Joaquin Phoenix) is an unhappy divorcee, who no longer enjoys life to the extent of when he was married. Now living a solitary life, Theodore writes letters at a company for people who find it hard to express their feelings. While bringing joy to others he ultimately feels pessimistic, until the day he purchases a computer operating system, which speaks to it's user. Living inside Theodore’s computer with built in artificial intelligence, this equivalent of Apple’s “Siri”, adopts a female personality and voice (Scarlett Johanssen). Before long his life begins to improve, as the seemingly inseparable pair soon develop a very deep and personal relationship. 

Amy Adams and Joaquin Phoenix in "Her".

The idea of “Her” originally came to Jonze ten years ago, after reading an article which explained how artificial intelligence could instantly message other people. He quickly became fascinated with the theory and ten years later, began the development on his own blend of 
Sci Fi/Romance, “Her”.


So artificial intelligence is an amazing idea but there’s only so far you can go, isn't there? In fact with regards to “Her”, Jonze pushes the boundaries of the film’s purpose and intends to present a definitive look at love using artificial intelligence; and that’s exactly what he has perfected. There have been many attempts to capture love stories through similar plot lines, including 2012’s well received “Ruby Sparks” (starring Paul Dano) and “Electric Dreams”, a film from the 1980’s with a similar story to “Her”. But neither can compare in regards to the brilliance of Jonze’s writing and style. 

Spike Jonze directing Joaquin Phoenix, in "Her".

The script is not only fresh, but includes a unique mix of unsettling drama and hilarious comedy. A satire if you will, of what the future has to hold, that becomes increasingly authentic as the film moves on. The relationship between Theodore and Samantha is also genuine, with Phoenix providing an exceptional performance alongside the notable portrayal of Samantha by Johanssen, despite only using her voice in the role. Amy Adams contributes an engaging performance as Amy, a friend of Theodore who is just as lost as he is. 

Not only is the film near perfect, but also the soundtrack of “Her” (written by the acclaimed independent rock band “Arcade Fire”) works perfectly in conjunction with the subject matter, and provides some of the group's best work to date.  

Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara in "Her".

The film's only fault (and it's really hard to find any) is possibly it's overlong running time. Spanning two hours in length, the film honestly feels as though it could have ended on the one hour and thirty minutes mark. The reason behind the running time? Perhaps Jonze felt more needed to be said.

Verdict

"Her" provides an unparalleled, yet almost innocent view of love and whilst partly focusing on the technological advancements; it never loses sight of the film's true meaning. 

9 stars out of 10.

Written by Scott Gentry.

Film Rating Key

1-2 stars out of ten = Awful.

3-4 stars out of ten = Average.

5-6 stars out of ten = Good.

7-8 stars out of ten = Excellent.

9-10 stars out of ten = Amazing.