Her is a unique sci-fi romance film that poses a unique take on love in the modern age. Although it was released five years ago, I had recently come across this film when a Twitter user recommended it to me. Needless to say, I was completely enamored by the stunning cinematography, moving soundtrack, and the overall storyline. Its cinematic success was accounted for by director Spike Jonze and his screenplay debut. Her was awarded the 2014 Golden Globe Award for best screenplay and the 2014 Oscar for best original screenplay. I definitely appreciate that this film was given deserving recognition by critics and award ceremonies alike.
The film focuses on Theodore Twombly (Joaquin Phoenix), who finds solace in an operating system named Samantha (Scarlett Johansson) in the middle of a divorce. Over the course of the movie, Twombly falls for Samantha and the concept of love is debated between various characters in the plot. The idea of love always comes back to Twombly, changing his and the viewers’ perspective on love. Twombly grows from being closed up to his partners, to eventually realizing that vulnerability is necessary in relationships. The development for characters in this movie is absolutely beautiful, especially when the director takes advantage of the other characters making it possible for the protagonist.
The film focuses on Theodore Twombly (Joaquin Phoenix), who finds solace in an operating system named Samantha (Scarlett Johansson) in the middle of a divorce. Over the course of the movie, Twombly falls for Samantha and the concept of love is debated between various characters in the plot. The idea of love always comes back to Twombly, changing his and the viewers’ perspective on love. Twombly grows from being closed up to his partners, to eventually realizing that vulnerability is necessary in relationships. The development for characters in this movie is absolutely beautiful, especially when the director takes advantage of the other characters making it possible for the protagonist.
Jonze does an amazing job taking advantage of the setting where the movie takes place. Filming was done in Los Angeles and Shanghai, providing the viewer with architectural diversity in a technologically-advanced universe. These cities provided the futuristic foundation for Her’s overall atmosphere. The soundtrack was also an amazing fit for Her as well, especially “The Moon Song”, sung by Scarlett Johansson. It encompasses the concept of friendship and love that blossoms from the most unexpected circumstances in everyday lives.
Other characters like Amy and Catherine were significant to his character development. Twombly’s coworker and close friend, Amy, encourages him to pursue love for happiness, even if his love interest is an operating system. Catherine, Twombly’s former spouse, however, disagrees and states that he is incapable of dealing with human emotions. With these polarizing perspectives, Her eventually came to the conclusion that although there might be no right answer to define what makes love acceptable, it’s not wrong to pursue happiness no matter the circumstances.
I highly recommend this film to anyone who wants to view an artistic take on something as largely abstract as love, or if you’re simply just a hopeless romantic.
Other characters like Amy and Catherine were significant to his character development. Twombly’s coworker and close friend, Amy, encourages him to pursue love for happiness, even if his love interest is an operating system. Catherine, Twombly’s former spouse, however, disagrees and states that he is incapable of dealing with human emotions. With these polarizing perspectives, Her eventually came to the conclusion that although there might be no right answer to define what makes love acceptable, it’s not wrong to pursue happiness no matter the circumstances.
I highly recommend this film to anyone who wants to view an artistic take on something as largely abstract as love, or if you’re simply just a hopeless romantic.