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Home Reviews Her (2013)

January 9, 2014 By iluvcinema 15 Comments

Her (2013)

I honestly have so many places I can go with this review post, so pardon me in advance if it comes off as a shambolic rambling …

Simply stated, I LOVED this movie. Her is proof positive that at their best, trailers do not a movie make …

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While I was intrigued by the premise based on the trailer, it did not do the film justice in presenting the amount of humor and levity that this interesting story – that of the romantic relationship between a milquetoast (Joaquin Phoenix) and his software operating system (voiced perfectly by Scarlett Johansson).

Our Mitty-esque hero, Theodore Twombly (Phoenix, in an understated, moving performance) lives in a near futuristic Los Angeles, where he works at a company that writes custom letters for its clientele. After enduring a recent breakup with wife Catherine (Rooney Mara), he goes about his days in a very non-descript manner, that is until he purchases and installs his new, highly advanced and adaptable operating system, in the voice of Samantha (Johannson).

What starts off as give and take, with Samantha’s main directive being the managing of life, develops into something more intense and seemingly more enduring.

In the process, the film attempts to challenge our very deeply held perceptions of love and what it means to love and be loved. The emotional consequences (as many are well aware) can be euphoric and devastating, regardless of with whom (or in this case) what we form that unrelenting attachment to. It is a wonderful thought-provoking presentation that stays with you long after the credits roll and you leave the theater.

While Phoenix and Johannson are the heart of Her, there are appearances by the likes of Amy Adams, Olivia Wilde (among others).

I would never consider myself either an aficionado or follower of the films of Spike Jonze (having only seen Being John Malkovich), but this is clearly the work of a really good director. This definitely merits a revisit of his oeuvre.

Ironically as I worked on the initial draft for this piece, I was reminded of the Twilight Zone episode Lonely featuring Jack Warden. In this, Warden’s character is placed on a prison desert planet, his only companion that of a female robot companion. Over time he comes to form an unbreakable attachment with the artificially intelligent being. While the robot in this case is believable, in so much as it is a physical manifestation, the idea of love and what it means is a subject of debate here as well.

There are moments you actually forget that Samantha is not a sentient being, but a machine programmed to be as close to human as possible. The film is a perfect balance of dramatic tension and levity.

I would say this was quite possibly the best film I saw last year.

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: her, spike jonze

Comments

  1. Ja says

    January 10, 2014 at 9:35 am

    GREAT review! I am interested in seeing this now. And I am a huge Spike Jonze fan (i.e. Three Kings).
    Ja recently posted..Jean Pascal (26-2-1) Vs. Lucian Bute (31-1-0) For Canadian SupremacyMy Profile

    Reply
    • iluvcinema says

      January 11, 2014 at 8:17 am

      Reply
  2. Nostra says

    January 10, 2014 at 9:53 am

    Yeah, this was an amazing movie and like you mention at the start it makes you think of so many things and you write about a lot when reviewing this. Still have to think how I’m going to write mine.
    Nostra recently posted..The Many Faces of… Jeremy RennerMy Profile

    Reply
    • iluvcinema says

      January 11, 2014 at 8:16 am

      My brain trying to figure out what angle to take.

      Reply
  3. Dan O. says

    January 10, 2014 at 4:58 pm

    A beautiful love story that deserves to be seen by anybody. Even if it may be too hard for that person to get over the fact that it’s a man falling in love with his operating-system. Good review.
    Dan O. recently posted..Her (2013)My Profile

    Reply
    • iluvcinema says

      January 11, 2014 at 8:15 am

      TY!

      Reply
  4. Candice Frederick says

    January 10, 2014 at 8:04 pm

    that was one of the best parts, when you actually forget that samantha isn’t human. one fo the things that makes the movie so relatable.
    Candice Frederick recently posted..Roger Ebert Documentary ‘Life Itself’ to Premiere at SundanceMy Profile

    Reply
    • iluvcinema says

      January 11, 2014 at 8:14 am

      ✔️
      iluvcinema recently posted..Her (2013)My Profile

      Reply
  5. stainlessSteel says

    January 11, 2014 at 1:05 am

    I cannot wait to see this movie. It reminds me of the twilight zone entitled from agnes with love. A computer that is jealous of her male operator’s love interests. She drives them crazy. Funny she never had a female operator. Oh boy there might be a “her” part two that explores that???

    Reply
    • iluvcinema says

      January 11, 2014 at 8:14 am

      Have to revisit that episode.

      Good observation.

      Reply
  6. Jared says

    January 12, 2014 at 4:32 pm

    This is a fantastic review. Very much looking forward to hearing the Arcade Fire soundtrack contributions. Thus far, Jonze has done no wrong for me!

    I really dig your site, would you mind exchanging blogroll links with me? My film site is at jarwatchesfilms2.com would love to see you comment there as well!

    Reply
    • iluvcinema says

      January 13, 2014 at 8:28 pm

      Thanks! Will try to get there!

      Reply
  7. ruth says

    January 13, 2014 at 2:45 pm

    Hi Iba! Glad you love this too, we are in complete agreement! I’ve only seen Adaptation by Jonze but now I’m curious to see what he’ll do next.
    ruth recently posted..FlixChatter’s 2014 Golden Globes Coverage: Predictions, Winners & Event HighlightsMy Profile

    Reply
    • iluvcinema says

      January 13, 2014 at 8:30 pm

      Yeah. That is what my tweet was about last night (Her?) was wondering if you were predicting that it would win or did you think that American Hustle was going to take home the prize, which it obviously did. But of course I read your blog. Need to hop on that and comment ASAP. Maybe after “Sleepy Hollow,” perhaps?

      Reply
  8. Patti abbott says

    January 16, 2014 at 9:49 am

    I loved this too and I am shocked at the number of people online that actively dislike it. This is both a cautionary tale and a love story. How often are those two combined?

    Reply

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