Film Analysis - Week 49 - Her (2013)

Film Analysis – Week 49

Her (2013) – Directed by Spike Jonze

Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Scarlett Johansson and Amy Adams

‘Her’ changed my mind about a lot of things- the films ability to have the audience fully immersed into a fantasy/sci-fi story that seems both near and far, is a real skill. The filmmakers chose a topic that seems possible to many and focuses on its upsides and downsides. The film looks at artificial intelligence or A.I., in this case an operating system (O.S.) that has A.I. capabilities. This basis helps to explore the rest of the film in great detail. While this dystopian future seems bright in many regards, the basic problems of humanity still remain for all including our protagonist Theodore (Joaquin Phoenix). Relationships are at the core or every film, no matter its genre or intention. The way in which people interact is essential to understand a film and any key message that it contains. I personally found the film so enticing, that it lead me to think existentially about my life as a whole. The facts are, Theodore develops a relationship with his own personalised O.S., in this case named Samantha (Scarlet Johansson). While the idea is played off as strange as first the reality begins to accept the relationships as normal which is representative of quite a forward thinking society. Relationships are the key theme floating around in this film, the way in which they represent downfalls and struggles, but also how they are the true core of human emotion in filmmaking.

Many elements make this film a spectator’s dream, a mix of performance and atmosphere allows for an experience that enables the audience to lose themselves in the reality. The most atmospheric thing about the film, for me personally, was the use of a musical score. The integration of Theodore’s music choice into the film, both when he is and isn’t listening to it, provides a ‘melancholy’  surround sound, helping the film blend together and flow into the minds of the audience. The music is key in allowing the scenes to flow smoothly, transition, and also allows for the back and forth of shots to seem natural. The often montage-esk pace of this film fits well with the melancholy music that sits ambiently in the background during the duration. I believe that it helps the world feel more alive- as said by Samantha, the music she writes is used to represent their relationship, how it evolves and changes with every moment. This fits with the technicality of the film itself as well, each music piece is tailored to the scene, to help the tension flow in places and to help the joy spread in others.

Originality is a key factors that draws me near to films, the film’s imagination shows that it has the ability to explore a topic that is both close to home, but also is still out of our reach. While exploring the concept of a non-physical relationship, it opens up  many avenues for the spectator’s mind to explore. I for one believe that the ability to fall in love with a computer seems distant, but a total possibility. The extent to which conversation and chemistry can mix to create a lifelong, loving relationship shows that characters can be written with any form of stimulus that pushes them towards a goal. The minimalism set up in the early parts of the film show Theodore as a lonely man longing for a relationship. While the timing of Samantha’s arrival is excitingly convenient, it comes at a time where he is just as willing to accept it. This drives the story in a way that doesn’t lead to a Hollywood ending, but instead brings home the point- that relationships can start from nothing, from anything small, but require affection, attention and care, that they are fragile.