Scarlett Johansson is the best thing about Her, but you only get to hear her voice. The premise of this Spike Jonze movie is that Theodore (played by Joaquin Phoenix) falls in love with his cell phone’s operating system. Of course, Theodore is a goofy guy (he writes letters for other people in this future world) who divorces Rooney Mara and has Amy Adams as a neighbor. I was annoyed at the tedious patches in this 2-hour movie. And, I’m still bothered by the ending. Still, if you’re in the mood for something very different, give Her a try. GRADE: B
I know Jackie wants to see this one a lot more than I do.
Jeff, the couple we went to see HER with wanted to walk out after 15 minutes. They stayed, but hated the movie.
At first, I felt the same way. But the more I thought about it the more I saw Jonze had created a very different world despite its near-future status. The color palette, people moving about alone, the somnambulist look in their eyes. The way none of the men seemed the least bit masculine. And I thought of what you said about your students only being interested in inventing aps and games. This is a dream-world that we are in danger of inhabiting if we don’t find ways to communicate face to face. Can you imagine hiring someone to write letters to your son?
I ended up thinking it quite brilliant three days later. But I like movies where nothing happens.
Though I think the film uses an intriguing premise, it’s not one I want to sit through. The idea and it’s explanation are enough for me. Patti makes a very interesting point. I think, based on your comments, you were overly generous in giving it a B.
Patti, the scenes in HER where men are walking around talking to their phones could have been shot here on my campus (yes, women do it, too). Many people are more involved with their smart phones than the people around them.
Rick, the couple Diane and I saw HER with gave the film an “F.” I think the performances in HER, especially Scarlett Johansson’s distinctive voice, were dazzling. But the downbeat future world will turn audiences off.
From what I’ve read, after finishing the film (I’m pretty sure that’s what I read) Jonze reshot the entire role with Scar-Jo replacing the original actress (Samantha Morton). The NY Times at least felt Scarlett made all the difference and made the film a success.
Bill Crider and I have been talking about the switch from Samantha Morton to ScarJo, Rick. We think Morton must have been devastated by the change. But now we want to hear what Samantha Morton sounded like. Maybe the DVD’s “extra content” will include a sample.
The Big Bang Theory had a seemingly identical idea in the “Beta Test Initiation” episode (aired Jan, 2012), where sad sack Raj falls in love with Siri on his new iPhone. Of course it was played for laughs. Coincidence, or who swiped from whom? Shia LeBouf was not involved.
Art, people falling in love with their machines has been a trope in Science Fiction for decades. We’ll see more of it as robots and androids become a bigger part of our lives.
I just hope those high waisted polyester pants that all the men wear in the film doesn’t come to pass.
George I think your rating is about right. I liked the movie but didn’t love it. Could have lost about 15 minutes. But at least it’s the rare film that trys to be original.
Steve, you and I are on the same page with HER. My wife and I are still talking about it. Few movies can accomplish that feat.
SPOILER :And you know the character of Theodore is so much like Leonard on BIG BANG. But without the brains or Penny. This is a sad world and I thoroughly expected them to jump, didn’t you?
Patti, my daughter thought they would jump, too! I didn’t, but I wouldn’t have been surprised if they did.
John Norris was pretty croggled by this film, asking for people who’d seen it to write into his blog just because he was looking for people to discuss it with. I still look forward to it.
Todd, HER is one of those polarizing films. Most people love it or hate it. Surprisingly, I’m in the middle.