Technology has changed the way we communicate, connect and live.
A film about a man who falls in love with his computer’s highly advanced operating system may have sounded ridiculous and farfetched ten years ago. But today, in a world where many spend more time on their computers and smartphones than they do talking to their loved ones, the concept feels plausible.
Her, the first film written and directed by Spike Jonze (Director of Adaptation and Being John Malkovich) tells the story of Theodore Twombly (Joaquin Phoenix), a sad and lonely man who struggles to get over his failed marriage.
Theo becomes intrigued upon hearing about a new software package, advertised as ‘not just an operating system… a consciousness’. He signs up and before long is talking to Samantha (voiced by Scarlett Johansson). At first she acts as his personal organiser, reminding him of appointments and taking care of his emails, etc. But Samantha begins to evolve – having deep, personal conversations with Theo, and even laughs at his jokes. She becomes a companion, to the extent that he begins to fall in love with her.
Her could easily have been a gimmicky or odd film, but is anything but. It’s sweet, humorous and thought-provoking. This movie may be more ‘out there’ than your traditional Hugh Grant rom-com, but the love felt more real compared to any Richard Curtis flick I’ve seen.
At two hours, Her is longer than it needs to be and feels particularly slow towards the end. It won’t win (in my opinion) the Best Picture Oscar, but most definitely deserves to be on the list of nominees.
See this film (and much more) now at Showcase, Peterborough. For show times visit www.showcasecinemas.co.uk and follow them on Twitter.
Mikey Clarke
Genres: Romance, Drama & Science Fiction
Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, Rooney Mara, Scarlett Johansson
Running Time: 2hrs 6mins
Writer/Director: Spike Jonze
See it if you liked: Robot and Frank & Stranger than Fiction.
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