Her - A Film Review (sort of)

Being a complete film fanatic/anti social hermit has it's pros; there are so many films that people say (cliché-esc-ly) have changed their lives and who they are. To some extent I agree with this, but not so melodramatically.  

The most recent film that has overwhelmed me (and my cat)-

Her - with Joaquin Phoenix 2013

Theodore falls in love with his intelligent operating system -  on-line dating with the voice of Scarlett Johansson, you'd be mad to say no, surely? 

Joaquin Phoenix has a strange creepy loveable charisma to him, the moustache, the clothes, the voice, the glasses, everything about him screams "seemingly weird but possibly the sweetest man alive". He admittedly reminds me of Kip, the nerdy brother from Napoleon Dynamite, but less weedy and more naively romantic, complete with ukulele playing and lullaby-like singing.

The soundtrack is absolutely beautiful, if you're suffering from a music block, like me, I advice you listen to "Off You" by The Breeders, along with the rest of the film's memorising soundtrack which also features a few tracks from the new Arcade Fire album.

I wish I could personally thank the writer and director of this film, Spike Jonze -  because every single script is quotable, each character's lines is so gorgeously emotive it makes you feel so utterly involved in this raw and real relationship. I can't wait to type out those epiphany evoking words for a separate post, prepare yourself.

I can fully understand why this isn't everybody's cup of tea and I am so glad I watched this on some ambiguous, unsafe streaming website at home as opposed to in a cinema with other people - unless you really enjoy listening to Scarlett Johansson climaxing in the presence of 50 strangers (perhaps you do, each to their own), you might find a few scenes slightly uncomfortable and unconventional, but this part of what made the film so touching. For me, this seemed more of a 'watch-on-your-laptop-with-your-cat-and-maybe-snack-on-some-Ben-and-Jerry's-or-a-banana-if-you're-trying-to-be-healthy' type of film, not really the best thing to watch and attempt understand with you family on the sofa.

This is a very cleverly put together piece of media, perfect if you're into indie (really indie) films that are a bit confusing with no real beginning or defined conclusion. It's face value and aim is not to entertain, it is to provoke and make the audience feel and think and spiral out from their monogamous everyday patterns, with the luxury of an incredible soundtrack. 

The concept is one I am going to be fascinated with for at least the next fortnight, expect many more posts regarding Theodore's 'Letters from your life'.

"Whatever someone you become, wherever you are in the world: I'm sending you love"