On paper, the pieces of Her seem a bit much. I mean, a lovelorn, ukelele-playing man (Theodore, ably played by Joaquin Phoenix) falling for his rapidly-evolving operating system (Samantha, as voiced charmingly by Scarlett Johansson)? Fortunately, writer-director Spike Jonze excitedly explores modern relationships and the near future with a zeal that pulls us along with him and elevates the film beyond a whimsical premise. Without drawing too much attention to it, he creates a plausible world while Theodore and Samantha attempt to construct their own.
Upon emerging from the film, the key discussion topic between my fellow moviegoers was how we should view Samantha and Theodore's relationship. Luddites and Terminator fans would suggest that the story is a purely tragic affair of a man being consumed by a complex but lifeless virtual world. In the face of the rapidly approaching singularity, it's common to hear the argument that the simplicity and usability of artificial intelligence cannot match the complexity of human thought and emotion. It's possible that Samantha is just programmed to do exactly what Theodore needs; through their relationship, she helps him get over his ex-wife and makes him realize that his marriage ending doesn't prevent new beginnings. But Jonze isn't content to just leave us with an anti-technology message.
In the midst of the character's romance, Jonze subtly offers his vision of the future. He does it more through design than dialogue: belly-high pants are in and LA has become a place with prevalent skyscrapers and convenient rail transportation. Among these improvements, citizens go about their lives without commenting upon any of them (apart from OSs, naturally). People still visit the beach in droves and eat at trendy restaurants with fashionable design. The modifications to our world aren't extreme**, and allow us the rare (more realistic) portrait of a future where everything hasn't dramatically declined or improved.
The success of the film comes from a number of factors - including Phoenix's incredible job in making Theodore simultaneously flawed and lovable, Johansson's voice work that convinces us of Samantha's intelligence and consciousness, Adams's excellent portrait of Amy's quiet quest for happiness, the excellent soundtrack, and the credible design of the future - but the melancholic and funny Her feels deeply dependent on Jonze's fusing of his childish humor and childlike wonder.
* Though, Before Midnight gives Her a run for its money.
** (save the obviously impossible convenient public transportation)
In addition to the film's honesty about the feelings and desires that arise during and after relationships, there's also the obvious connection between the Theodore-Samantha romance and long distance relationships. The frustration at not being able to read a person's expressions or body language while sensing that something's wrong, the lack of a mollifying touch, and the weird solitude can all be strongly felt in the difficulties that Samantha and Theodore encounter.
Crew & Cast
Written & Directed by Spike Jonze (Adaptation, Being John Malkovich, Where the Wild Things Are, many great music videos)
Cast
Joaquin Phoenix - Theodore Twombly
Scarlett Johansson - Samantha
Amy Adams - Amy
Rooney Mara - Catherine
Olivia Wilde - Blind Date
Chris Pratt - Paul