Film Review #041 - Her (2013)

 

Structure:
1. Movie Facts
2. Spoiler Free Review
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1. Movie Facts

Here is a detailed overview of the 2013 film "Her" by Spike Jonze:

Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures

Production Budget: $23 million

Worldwide Gross: $48.3 million

Story: The film is not based on any specific story or book. However, it draws inspiration from various sources, including the works of science fiction writers Philip K. Dick and Kazuo Ishiguro, as well as the concept of AI and its potential impact on human relationships.

Director: Spike Jonze

Spike Jonze is an American film director, screenwriter, music video director, and producer. He is known for his innovative and visually striking films, which often explore themes of human connection, technology, and the future. His most notable films include "Being John Malkovich" (1999), "Adaptation" (2002), "Where the Wild Things Are" (2009), and "Her" (2013).

Writer: Spike Jonze

"Her" marks Spike Jonze's solo screenwriting debut. He previously collaborated with Charlie Kaufman on two screenplays: "Being John Malkovich" and "Adaptation".

Actors:

  • Joaquin Phoenix as Theodore “Theo” Twombly

Joaquin Phoenix is an American actor known for his intense and transformative performances. He has received numerous accolades, including two Academy Award nominations for Best Actor for his roles in "The Master" (2012) and "Joker" (2019).

  • Scarlett Johansson as Samantha

Scarlett Johansson is an American actress and singer known for her diverse roles in both independent and mainstream films. She has starred in numerous box-office hits, including "Lost in Translation" (2003), "The Avengers" (2012), and "Black Widow" (2021).

  • Amy Adams as Amy

Amy Adams is an American actress known for her versatility and ability to embody complex characters. She has won numerous awards, including an Academy Award, two Golden Globe Awards, and two BAFTA Awards.

  • Rooney Mara as Catherine

Rooney Mara is an American actress known for her independent film work and collaborations with directors like David Fincher and Darren Aronofsky. She has received numerous accolades, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her role in "Carol" (2015).

  • Olivia Wilde as Isabella Rosellini

Olivia Wilde is an American actress, producer, and director known for her roles in both television and film. She has starred in series like "House" and "Tron: Legacy", and films like "Cowboys & Aliens" (2011) and "Les Misérables" (2012).

Composer:

  • Arcade Fire

Arcade Fire is a Canadian indie rock band known for their unique sound that blends elements of folk, rock, electronic music, and post-rock. They have won numerous awards, including Grammy Awards for Album of the Year for their albums "The Suburbs" (2010) and "Everything Now" (2017).

2. Spoiler Free Review

Her (2013) delves into themes of loneliness and the complexity of romantic relationships; also it explores the intimate side of humans through philosophical perspectives. Its introspective take on human life and reasoning is both profound and relatable.

The film's introduction is striking, with a musical score that gave me goosebumps. This motif, recurring throughout, adds an emotional resonance to key scenes. Joaquin Phoenix's performance as Theo is truly remarkable. His versatility and ability to inhabit diverse roles, as seen in Gladiator (2000), Joker (2019) and Napoleon (2023), shines through, showcasing his incredible versatility.

The soundtrack by Arcade Fire has a melancholic tone is masterfully crafted with string instruments and a Rhodes vibrato, adding fragility to the film's tone. It reminds me of a more chill version of Daft Punk's "Random Access Memories" album, an unexpected but delightful comparison.

Visually, the film is a feast. The set design and locations are thoughtfully curated, contributing to the narrative's overarching mood. The storyline is melancholic, sad, yet bittersweet – a refreshing departure from typical cinematic narratives. Its exploration of love and delusion through the interaction of humans and AI is both unique and thought-provoking.

The cinematography and editing are noteworthy for their uniqueness. The use of medium shots with slight camera shake adds a humanistic element, aligning perfectly with the film's theme of human-AI interaction. The director's choice of very slow camera movements, close-ups, and low-angle shots enhances the storytelling. Particularly striking are the unfocused light shots. This tehnique was frequently used and added visual depth and a stunning aesthetic quality.

Another artistic triumph is the use of overlapping scenes, where the dialogue from one scene blends into the flashbacks of Theo. This technique is frequently and effectively used, adding a layer of depth to the narrative.

Finally, the conversations between the protagonist and the AI are not only thought-provoking but also echo the themes explored in "Ex Machina" (2019). However, "Her" brings a more realistic and human-like quality to the AI voice-over. The film's humor, especially in scenes where Theo interacts with the OS, is both witty and well-placed.

In conclusion, "Her" is a cinematic gem that masterfully blends technical prowess with a deep, emotionally resonant narrative.

Rating: 9/10


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