While technology advances by leaps and bounds, mankind's relationship with technology does the same. In the latest Spike Jonze film, emotional attachment is the focus and it's nothing short of "wow."
Set in the near future, the premise is all too believable. Today, thousands have personal relationships with Siri (iPhone's voice recognition software). Jonze takes the evolution a step further to where the computer operating system is a fully realized artificial intelligence. Enter Joaquin Phoenix, who plays an introverted writer dealing with his recent divorce and falls deeply in love with his new OS, voiced by Scarlett Johansson.
The movie is off-the-rocker awesome for many reasons. No. 1: Joaquin's performance. With the majority of the film shot close-up of him with no one but a disembodied voice, the emotion and chemistry are surprisingly real. The supporting cast is also great and it is always nice to see Andrew Maxwell (Parks and Recreation's Andy) no matter what the project.
Then there is the story. Instead of turning this into a cheap-shot pathetic-geek-loves-his-computer fable, "Her" explores the complex minefield of human emotion in the pursuit of happiness without judgment, which in itself is no small feat. Then there is the sci-fi matter of the OS wishing it had a body and vice versa.
"Her" is not only worth your time but also hands-down worthy of winning this year's best screenplay Oscar. Sit down and strap in for "Her," available on DVD and therefore everywhere online... enjoy.
