Her is great in all the right ways, but feels like its missing something, writes Mark Orton.
Director: Spike Jonze
Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, Rooney Mara, Olivia Wilde, Scarlett Johansson
Rating: (M)
3 stars out of 5
Clever, witty, thought-provoking and visually impressive, Her is all of the above but there still feels as if there is something missing - or is there?
Imaginatively conceived as a commentary on the evolving state of social interaction, computer interfaces, and geek culture, Her is set in 2025 when Theodore Twombly (Joaquin Phoenix) composes personal letters for people who are unable or unwilling to write their own. Going through divorce proceedings, the reclusive Twombly seeks solace in random phone sex via the internet that progresses to his purchase of an operating system with artificial intelligence.
Designed to learn and develop, the operating system known as Samantha (Scarlett Johansson) takes on a personality that assists Twombly with his mundane tasks, and becomes his romantic muse to boot. Having a relationship with a talking voice might sound a little like something from a Phillip K. Dick novel, but it's the subtlety Jonze and Phoenix bring to the table that preys on our own insecurity regarding the future of interpersonal communication that's impressive.
Staged on striking sets and real-world environments that achieve the desired goal of creating a sci-fi space that is not wildly detached from the present, Her only suffers through its inability to shift up a gear when needed. Too many moments spent waiting for something to happen while the camera lingers on Phoenix can detach from the bittersweet romance.
Best thing: A combination of the concept and set design.
Worst thing: The wayward pacing and lack of activity.
See it with: Your smartphone.
