250 films, 250 reviews. This is a pretty crazy idea, but who doesn’t love a challenge? Here at Cultured Vultures we’ll be counting down the IMDb Top 250 with a review for each from one of our dedicated film writers. Everything from Goodfellas to Casablanca will be covered over the next year or so for you film lovers to enjoy. You can’t say we don’t spoil you, you lovely lot. – Ashley, Project Lead
It’s hard to explain, but if you get there, come find me. Nothing will be able to tear us apart then.
I really wanted to dislike Her before I watched it for the first time. From what I had read and heard, it seemed just like one of those patronisingly quirky films without any substance that your dad would pretend to like. Good God, was I wrong.
Set in the not too distant future, Spike Jonze’s Her serves as an unconventional love story and a warning of the social disconnect of modern times. As the tools which are meant to bring us closer end up actually tear us further apart, the film paints a picture of the way our society is going with Joaquin Phoenix’s Theodore as its meek mascot.
After failing to find love in the traditional sense, Theodore turns to a sentient operating system, perfectly voiced by Scarlett Johannson. Over a series of initial awkward exchanges and anxious flirting, the unlikely couple decide to forsake the norm and make a go of it together. As someone who has a stalactite where his heart used to be, I found myself easily invested in their dynamic and future together.
The chemistry between the two is only made more exceptional by the fact that Johannsson’s involvement came in post-production. Initially, Samantha Morton (also ironically the voice of the operating system) had been in the role but noticing the lack of necessary “click” between her and Phoenix, Jonze made the wise choice to bring the Hollywood star in instead.
It would not be a stretch to say that Joaquin Phoenix had been left out in the cinematic wilderness following a few so-so efforts and a staged mental breakdown. The guy certainly has chops and they are on show in what might be one of the most human performances committed to the big screen in this successful return to form. We all have a little bit of Theodore in us; the desire to loved and be loved in return plays a big part in our everyday lives.
Throughout the course of the film, Theodore learns to come out of from his shell and excels in the workplace thanks to his newfound happiness. Equally, Samantha’s eagerness to learn new things and embrace her “humanity” is heartwarming and is what makes the film and the chemistry between the two work. Without wanting to spoil proceedings, the honeymoon can’t last forever and leads to a devastating final third.
As a first-time solo screenwriter, Jonze excels. The dialogue between the pair is organic and, most importantly, real, leading the audience to feel like this is an experience that the director himself has lived through. The way in which we love and connect with each other is almost unrecognisable from the old ideals of chivalry and courting, something which is reflected in Her masterfully.
It’s a modern love story that is hard not to love. If you’re yet to find out if Her deserved all the accolades, watch it and find out that it should have won many more.
Note: the IMDb Top 250 Cultured Vultures are using is based on the standings from the 16th of November. Inconsistencies may apply.
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