Unique, thought-provoking masterpiece

Rating: 8/10 (26 May 2015)

"I think anybody who falls in love is a freak. It's a crazy thing to do. It's kind of like a socially acceptable insanity." That quote from 'Her', the latest offering from director Spike Jones (Being John Malkovich, Where the Wild Things Are), just about sums up the movie.
Set in the not too distant future, 'Her' tells the story of Theordore (Joaquin Phoenix) and his latest love interest Samantha (Scarlett Johnsson) who is, in fact, no human. She is the operating system of his computer. Yes, cyber-sex gets taken to a whole new level in this freaky, funny, futuristic fantasy flick.
In the world of 'Her' a major breakthrough has just taken place with the invention of a new Artificial Intelligence in your PC's operating system. No longer is the OS just the software that manages your computer. It is a personality in itself. A personality with an entirely human voice and a seemingly human-like mind. A mind that can learn, emote, evolve, and adapt.
The thing about this whole scenario is, while it is particularly weird, it really works. The story is undoubtedly a piece of futuristic fantasy, but it's so well done that it's quite plausible. Director Jonez does a beautiful job of taking us into the near future, where our technology and, in particular, our connectivity have further consumed our lives. Almost every character in the film gets around in their own little world, with a small ear piece in place, talking to their hand (or pocket) held device, which in turn is connected to their main computer, which in turn is connected to everything!! Sound familiar? Have you been to a train station or airport recently and watched the smartphone zombies (yes I'm one of them) lost in their phones? When watching these scenes it's impossible not to reflect on the depths that we, as a society, are already consumed by the ever shrinking world in the palm of our hand. It seems, not only plausible, but eerily familiar.
The whole film looks beautiful too. The (not-too) futuristic city- scapes are especially impressive, but what I really like is the way fashion has gone around in a cycle back to an 80's-like scene. High pants and moustaches are the weapon of choice for yuppie-hipsters here.
Anyway, back to that freaky love story. For, that is what the movie is really about: Love, in this post-modern age of advanced technology and super-connectivity. The chemistry between Phoenix and the voice of Johansson (who is outrageously hot even when invisible) really works. As their relationship quickly develops from professional, to friendship, to attraction, to romance (and all the ecstasy, pain and paranoia that comes with it) it is easy to relate to it. That's the measure of why the film is so good. It's weird, but it works.
The way the movie deals with the themes of love and loss and, especially, loneliness in a world where we are more connected than ever is very clever.
It may not be for everyone, but it is nothing if not unique and original. 'Her' – 8/10. www.facebook.com/shenaniganmoviereviews