Cinema Feed #11 - Her (2013)

Trailer:
 


Like most of the sci-fi romance,  Her (2013) shares the common traits that make the plot predictable and might seem kind of cliché somehow. So what exactly makes it so breathtaking? Written and directed by Spike Jonze, who had once amazed us with the extraordinary Being John Malkovich (1999). This time he returns to provide you with an insight of a future love story.





















Set in the near future, Her (2013) manifests a world that we will be expecting in few decades time. From where our eyes would be fixed full-time on our smartphones to where soliloquise would be the perfect norm to everyone. Theodore Towmbly (starring Joaquin Phoenix), the protagonist is a desolate man who worked as a letter writer. A newly formed occupation that was created to have letters written on our behalf. Handwritten letters have certainly lost its meaning. With all the advance technologies, we can dictate the content and have our computer write it down. Throughout the entire film, it is rare to see people appeared in pairs. I guess the motive behind this is to strengthen the impact of alienation as humans simply lost their interest in physical interactions.

Living in solitude. Theodore purchased the new operating system, OS1 aka Samantha  (voice by Scarlet Johansson) that incorporated A.I (Artificial Intelligence). He was soon allured to and fallen in love with his OS1. Like Samantha's self doubt, I can't help but contemplate over the authenticity of love from the A.I. Can they really evolve with emotions or were they just programmed to have human beings become attached to them. Well, I guess I'll have to leave this question to the future. And by judging from the evolution of technology,  I will not be surprised to see a similar love story happening soon in reality.

Her (2013) is incredible. The complexity of human emotions was handled in such sophistication, that you will simply be astounded. Moreover, the sensible acting skills by all actors, especially Scarlet Johansson. Though portraying with voice only, Johansson had enriched Samantha with liveliness. Your feelings flow around with each of the sentence she said throughout the film. It's certainly a pity that she was not qualified for best actress in this year's academy award. So, if you haven't watched it, don't ever miss it!

Last to mention, the soundtrack is awesome, it settle your soul down with inner peace. And the interview at New York Film Festival, I found it rather awkward but interesting. Here to share with you guys, have fun!