Melodrama

What is the film “Her” actually about?

In 2014 American filmmaker Spike Jonze received an Oscar Award for the Best Original Screenplay of the film  “Her”. It is a story about the love of Theodore Twombly, the main character, for Samantha who is an operating system that includes a virtual assistant. This story makes us think not only about ethical problems of communication of people and artificial intelligence, but also about love which is an existential phenomena.  

What is the story?
The movie narrates the love story of a human and a robot. The main character - Theodore Twombly - is a sad, disappointed man who tries to recover after a difficult divorce with a woman he still loves. Man finds out about a new virtual assistant from ads who can sort messages and run errands, but for Theodore the most attractive function of this operation system was the ability of handling the pressure of being lonely by being a good companion, guessing one’s desires and adapting to man’s character. The film illustrates loneliness in a huge megalopolis where there is a place for all the benefits of mankind, but there is no contact of human souls. 

The system, whose name is Samantha, becomes Theodore’s lover. They act like a real couple: they go on dates, share secrets and even have sex. Over time Samantha will become something bigger and stronger than a written and algorithm-limited program for Theodore.

Why does the film about the future tell us about eternal issues?
The plot of the film takes place in the future which is very similar to today’s reality. We can’t see the negative consequences of modernization. On the contrary, the movie illustrates how technology harmoniously blended into the life of society, simplifying it. There are a lot of technophobic theories saying that someday computers will start to be independent from people and be aware of oneself as separate subjects. In Spike Jonze’s interpretation of a future dating a computer is not an exceptional case. Computers are not unfeeling lumps of metal, they are good interlocutors, understanding like-minded persons and supportive lovers. People communicate with them with the help of virtual reality as a communication channel. 

In sociology there is a conception of Marshall McLuhan which is described in his book “The Gutenberg Galaxy“. McLuhan is sure, all qualitative changes in the history of mankind are associated with a change in the leading communication channels. Thus, the future world is impoverished in emotions and feelings, people communicate less and less with each other, they feel loneliness and detachment, filling the void with communication with a computer. 

The filmmaker pays attention to main existential questions of love and loneliness. Each person experiences loneliness, fear of death and alienation. Love helps to overcome these feelings. French sociologist Erich Fromm believes that today there has been a substitution of concepts. Many people want to be loved without giving anything in return. So, it happened with the main character. Broken by the divorce, he doesn’t  want to sign the divorce papers and let his wife go, because he is afraid of being alone. He wants someone to be there when he needs it. The nature of his feelings is selfish.

What else …?

Despite the importance of the philosophical overtones of the movie, the visual work of the filmmakers shouldn’t be belittled - very thoughtful work of artists, constantly soft, cosy lighting which creates an unforgettable atmosphere. The film "Her" makes you fall in love with its visual beauty, it is a perfect example of the use of colour as a storytelling tool. Locations, interior items, clothing and light - absolutely everything is perfectly assembled into a palette. Also colours can translate the mood. The main character's shirts are a good example. It demonstrates the inner state of Theodore.

Moreover, the actors are brilliant there. The playing of Joaquin Phoenix is beautiful in detail, the film makes us be focused on his silent experiences, on his face. Also the voice of Scarlett Johansson makes the work great. We don’t see her in this film, and this clearly gives her a huge advantage in emotions expressed in intonation.

Also, the inner state of the character sent me to the modern practice of "long-distance relationship" and referred to the question of whether physical contact is necessary for love.

Why is it a good film?

Undoubtedly, the topic of the film  is really relevant, because we live in an ever-changing world. No one knows what science and technology will be in the near future, so the eternal questions raised in the context of technologization are appropriate now.

Nevertheless, it was the script of the picture that was awarded an Oscar, and it tells about a future, suddenly not much different from our present, and about a lonely man who finds happiness in a romantic relationship with an artificial intelligence. The balance is just perfect in the film. Where you need it it’s funny, where you need it - sad. During the film, you experience a lot of emotions. It is impossible not to feel the pain of the main character of the picture. 

It is difficult to separate the direction, music and picture of this film as separate aspects -this all is so integral and intertwined with each other. Probably, this is the key to the success of 'Her' - to show Theodore's mental organisation in all ways. 

Guilty pleasure: why do we want to rewatch “Love, Rosie”?

Mistakes of youth, great love and real destiny - these are the topics which makes the film “Love, Rosie” (2014) by Christian Ditter worth watching. “Choosing the person to share your life with is one of the most important decisions we make, the more because if you make mistakes your life becomes grey”, Rosie says, defining the main idea of the whole movie. 

What is the story about?

Rosie and Alex have been best friends since childhood. After finishing school they decide to go to study in the United States together. But Rosie's plans were not destined to come true: after a night with the most popular guy at school the girl got pregnant. Alex leaves their home town alone. After this series of events Alex and Rosie become pen pals for the next twelve years. They are going to have different lives, different experiences, and different ways.

Is it possible to save friendships, secretly being in love with your best friend? How is it to be separated from the only close one by the Atlantic Ocean and a series of ridiculous accidents? What are the consequences of rash decisions?  All these questions are raised in the film “Love, Rosie”. 

What makes this film enjoyable?

The film "With Love, Rosie" is a cute and charming melodrama that will surely please the audience. Romance, positive emotions, a little female wisdom and spectacular shots. The theme of the friend-zone, which has become very popular recently, makes the picture especially relevant.

The film will teach us to appreciate a loved one who knows you the way you were, and not the one you are now. An intricate beginning takes us into the thick of events, where we learn what real 'friends love' is, when people literally suffer without each other destroying their souls. 

Moreover, the cast is very good. Of course, this primarily concerns the duet of the main characters, who have played such images that are so difficult to demonstrate. But, it is worth noting the huge number of secondary characters, which are also important for the overall storytelling.

Also it is important to note the music and soundtracks - they are simply magnificent, ideally matched to each plot moment and picture. Be sure, after watching you will have a desire to download a couple songs to your playlist.

This is a film about growing up that everyone goes through. It perfectly illustrates the transience of time and the importance of decisions.

What else …?

The script for the film is based on the novel "Where the Rainbow Ends" by the Irish writer Cecilia Ahern. A naive work about two people, whose hearts are filled with the most real and quivering love, sweeping for years through all circumstances, events, adversities, causing a storm of human emotions.