Where we discover a new meaning for Love Thy Neighbor ... maybe.

Rating: 8/10 (28 March 2015)

This movie is billed as a drama, romance and sci-fi. It's more than that, however: it's a considered peek at part of the real, probable future of the man-machine nexus this century.
That theme is encapsulated within the drama of a guy, Theodore (Phoenix), an employee of a company which specializes in composing personal letters for the masses (who are apparently too busy or lazy to do it themselves). During the course of his work, Theo installs a new artificial intelligence operating system on his home computer. And while having his first conversation with the software (voice provided by Johansson), the name of Samantha - shortened to Sam - is chosen.
Thereafter, the story is a leisurely-paced talk-fest between Theo and Sam as they explore each other's mind - and body, so to speak. As inter-dependency between them grows, the software gradually develops emotions and feelings which become increasingly human-like. So much so, and despite fundamental difficulties, they fall in love - whatever that means - with each other. As we know, humans are well known for 'falling in love' with their machines; so, it's not much of a stretch to entertain such entertainment.
But therein lies the thrust of this story, bleakly exposed with box- cutter clarity when we see Theo - desperate and distraught because Sam is not answering his call - while he sits, bewildered, on a busy subway stairway as commuters mill about and pass him, oblivious to Theo's visible angst. Why? Because they're all - each and everyone - too busy to even watch where they're going as they continue, heads down, to converse with their hand-held machine companions.
Love thy neighbor morphs finally into love thy machine as thyself.
(Can't help but recall a real-life video clip I saw, of a smartphone-engrossed young person who walked into a water fountain to fall in: phone, bag and body. The person wasn't hurt but it was hilarious to watch.)
Phoenix provides another bravura performance - which mirrors the excesses of current rampant technological dependency - while he's also working through a highly stressful marital divorce from his human wife, Catherine (Mara). Happily for Theo, a nearby neighbor, Amy (Adams) provides emotional support when he truly needs it. Just how this emotional mix all eventually works out I'll leave you to see. From my perspective, it's positive overall, although the closing scene is glaringly Hollywoody - no pun intended. If you've seen The Last of the Mohicans (1992), you'll recall that final scene, as comparison.
The best piece, though, is left for Sam; and with perfect irony. While 'dating' Theo, Sam is also dallying with, hmmm, faaaaar too many other humans and other operating systems (you'll find out the total when you see it). As a sub-plot, it's a stroke of ironic genius from writer/director Jonze. On reflection, maybe it's just what Theo deserves, though: a wake-up call from a metaphorical water fountain. You be the judge....
Yeah, I reckon I'll give this eight out of ten - mainly for the acting and delicious irony. Recommended for all.
March 28, 2015