REVIEW: HER

After watching the trailer for this film sometime last year, I had a feeling it could be something good. First of all, there’s the director whom I am a big fan of. His name is Spike Jonze. He started doing music videos early in his career and made an impact in the film industry with his first feature film Being John Malkovich. This was followed by Adaptation and Where The Wild Things Are. All those films received positive feedback. His fourth feature that I am about to review is nothing short of extraordinary.

The title of the film is called Her and it is also written by Jonze himself, Her stars Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, Olivia Wilde, Rooney Mara, Chris Pratt, and Scarlett Johansson. As of this blog posting, Her has won the Golden Globe for Best Original Screenplay. The film is also nominated in the Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay categories for the 86^th Academy Awards due to be announced March 2^nd, 2013.

Will his fourth feature film be a hit? Do read on…

Joaquin Phoenix as writer Theodore

SYNOPSIS:

In the not too distant future, a lonely writer named Theodore (Phoenix) befriends an Operating System (OS) which he recently purchased for himself. This OS (voiced by Scarlett Johansson) is a new technology for its time and brings new assistance to Theodore. Together, both Theodore and the OS go on an adventure of self-discovery resulting in them falling in love.

Theodore at work

SCRIPT:

Creative, sweet, and original. The storyline brings a freshness to the world of cinema, something we haven’t seen before on film. First and foremost, it is original. Taking a story of how a human will fall in love with something original. After laying the groundwork of the premise being about love, it goes into various plots of the many things one would expect to deal with in a relationship. It is well-thought of and the plot is something audience can relate to. Good balance between drama and comedy.

Theodore enjoying time with his OS in his earpiece (hidden from view)

ACTING:

Great performance from Joaquin Phoenix in the lead. The rest of the cast did well, though I would have loved to see more of Amy Adams and Olivia Wilde. Really great work from Scarlett Johannson. Despite only hearing Johansson’s voice throughout the film, we can certainly feel for the character.

The amazing Amy Adams as Amy

FILMING:

Jonze brought his usual filming techniques to the big screen. He usually goes with pastel colours to set the mood and it is very effective. Despite its far-fetched subject matter, the look of the film does lend some romanticism to the storyline. Minimal use of visual effects to provide comic relief and give it a modern futuristic look. It feels believable that it could be set in the not too distant future.

Director Spike Jonze (right with headphones) on set with Amy Adams and Joaquin Phoenix

PACING:

Good start, great ending, but a little slow in the middle.

TONE (MOOD):

A journey of self-discovery in the world of romantic relationship for both human and non-human.

Spike Jonze on set with Rooney Mara

DOWNSIDE:

A little slow when the plot tries to tie-up some loose end.

UPSIDE:

Sweet and stunning storyline that will make you go home to ponder the meaning of love.

Theodore (Joaquin Phoenix) enjoying his time with his OS on the beach.

OVERALL:

Despite its slightly excessive sexual innuendos and profanity, this film is a heart-warming tale that could teach the audience a lesson or two about the powers of love. Definitely a must-watch.

RATING:

9 out of 10.