Her (2013)

9 of 10

Personal Bias Alert:  I basically live on a computer

            When I was twelve my parents brought home a new computer that came with a game I had never hear of:  The Sims.  I sat down to play it and became immersed in its world, carefully creating each sim and constructing a life unique to each one.  Their triumphs were my triumphs, and their failures were my failures.  An attachment grew, and I looked forward to playing in their little worlds.  Perhaps because of this experience I intuitively accepted and understood the relationship at the center of “Her.”

            Set in the near future, Theodore (Joaquin Phoenix) is going through a divorce that has put him in a rut.  He works and he goes home, where he splits his time between video games and porn.  His friends gently encourage him to get out more, but are sensitive enough to know that his mourning period will only be over when he is ready for it.  On a whim, he buys a new operating system that boasts a new level of artificial intelligence.  That it has a voice and a personality is impressive, but it’s ability to learn and change is what truly sets it apart.  The operating system gives itself the name Samantha (voiced by Scarlett Johansson), and a movingly realistic examination of human relationships begin.

            Amy Adams and Chris Pratt are excellent as friends of Theodore, and Rooney Mara as Theodore’s ex-wife is delightfully complex.  But Phoenix and Johansson carry this film, and they never hit a wrong note.  Samantha Morton was initially cast as Samantha, and performed the part throughout shooting.  It wasn’t until editing that writer/director Spike Jonze recast the part, reportedly with Morton’s blessing.  It must have been a difficult situation for everyone involved, and I feel the need to thank Morton for handling it so well.  I’m sure she gave a fine performance, but Johansson’s voice has an intimate note that allows the film to work almost effortlessly.

             Jonze wrote and brought to life this intricate examination of love, which Adam’s character describes as “a form of socially acceptable insanity.”  We fall for someone (or something) and the world becomes a little bigger, a little brighter, and ultimately better.  But we also wonder about it.  What will others think of it?  Is it actually good for us?  Is it sustainable as both parties change over time?  This and all the other nooks and crannies of a relationship are portrayed here, which allows the viewer to connect to the offbeat relationship in a very personal way.

            The movie would have been a 9.5 or 10, but the last scene is a bit trite.  The sentiment has been portrayed better.

Other Notes:

Ø  If Samantha Morton had remained the voice of Samantha, then this film would have had two actresses playing characters that shared their first name (Amy Adams plays Amy).  Anyone else think that’s weird?

Ø  The high-waisted pants looked ridiculous, but the band collared shirts were awesome.

Ø  This is one of my favorite movies of the year.