A relationship of the future...

Let's face it, relationships can be messy things. Communication can become stymied, resulting in misunderstanding and irreparable resentment. Fortunately, in this high-tech world, we have so many options for meeting that someone special. The internet offers dating sites for everyone, no matter race, creed, or sexual orientation. Social media brings the world to your fingertips, giving you endless choices for encountering the one. In Her, Spike Jonze suggests yet another method for making that all important connection. What if Windows 8 not only organized everything on your computer, but listened to you like no other human? What if it attended to your every cyber need and offered positive criticism of your life as well? What if Windows 8 made such a connection with you that you couldn't wait to log on and see what it was up to? Ok, maybe Windows 8 couldn't do this, but maybe 10 might. So many of us have become completely dependent upon various operating systems because we spend more time interacting with smartphones, laptops, and tablets than we spend on those around us. We seek so many answers from these devices that it seems completely logical that a person would also find true love within their electronics if, along with answers, we also received understanding and compassion.
Her is the story of Theodore, a man whose pending divorce haunts him; however, this isn't a typical relationship movie. Theodore finds the 'woman' of his dreams in his new operating system. Samantha offers exactly what he needs, despite lacking the physicality of a human. Theodore's new os is more than just a software program, it is touted as the first AI system that has consciousness as well. Jonze has outdone himself, creating a near-future that not only is possible, but highly plausible. Theodore works at a business that provides personal, handwritten letters to subscribers. He is a surrogate writer, composing beautiful correspondences by learning about the 'author' and the 'subject.' Interestingly, he is able to make a strong connection to those he never meets, but lacks the ability to maintain a healthy relationship with his own wife. With Samantha, he feels a strong association to 'someone' again.
I simply loved the premise of this film, recognizing that Jonze identifies the general disunion of people today. Initially, I wondered how others would react to Theodore's new relationship. His ex-wife responds to his confession in the way I assumed most would, with shock and confusion; however, others acknowledge it as something perfectly normal and not uncommon. Theodore's closest friend, Amy, admits that she has formed a very close friendship with her os. It's obvious that this is exactly what many hoped for from the software.
Jonze presents the story as happening in the near future. The audience knows it's location is Los Angeles, but Jonze uses Shanghai for the wide shots of the city; thus, giving a foreign, futuristic look. The colors he uses are gorgeous and the lighting adds to the mood of the narrative. Add a great soundtrack and this movie is well worth watching. Thought-provoking, visually stunning, and well-acted. My only criticism is the casting of Scarlett Johansson as Samantha. The entire film was initially made using Samantha Morton's voice. Jonze felt there was something lacking during editing and, with Morton's ok, re-cast the role with Johansson. Unlike many, I am not a fan of her voice. At first, I wasn't so bothered, but as the movie progressed I grew more agitated when she spoke. Despite my dislike of the lead actress, this film is one of my top 5 movies for 2014. Though mostly overlooked by the Academy, it did garner the Oscar for best screenplay. After watching it, I whole-heartedly agree. This film resonated with me and still does.