Her, A Glimpse of the Future
By Cassidy Dora, Valerie Gobeil, Justin Erb and Charles Bedard
Her (2013) directed by Spike Jonze
Screenwriter: Spike Jonze
Lead Actors: Joaquin Phoenix (Theodore), Scarlett Johansson (Samantha),
Amy Adams (Amy), and Rooney Mara (Catherine).
Running Time: Two hours and six minutes (IMDB)
General Review of the Film
In a futuristic setting, Theodore lives in a technologically advanced society and works
in an office as a writer of love letters in Los Angeles. After having gone through a bad
breakup with his ex wife Catherine, Theodore frequently reminisces on his past and
spends the majority of his time alone. In search of company and a new friend, Theodore
tries a high end program called the OS1, a computer operated program that listens and
talks to you, even appearing as if it has emotions and a consciousness. After having
spent a considerable amount of time with the OS1 named Samantha, Theodore and
Samantha fall in love. Thus becoming a very complicated relationship filled with
criticism from the public and questions of whether their feelings are real.
The lighting in this movie enhanced the deeper emotions of the characters, to gain
clarity towards their emotions. When Theodore went for lunch with his ex-wife
Catherine, the lighting was very bright, and it was a beautiful day. The lighting
emphasized the ways in which Theodore’s life was finally going to change for the
better, rather than his lonely and isolated past life. When Theodore was going to sign
the divorce papers, he reminisced about Catherine and his past life with her. Once he
signed the papers, he focused on his optimistic future, this future with Samantha.
Another moment in the film in which the lighting was also very prominent is when
Theodore was setting up his operating system at the beginning of the film. His
surroundings were very dark making his house not visible and his face was lit up
from the computer screen, his new beginning. The lighting displayed the ways in
which his dark past was behind him and he has finally found the light in his life,
Samantha. The lighting in both these situations focused on the shifting of
Theodore's life, going from the past to the future in to live a more blissful life.
Theodore's costumes reflected more than just his dull life. When Theodore was
installing Samantha, the color of the OS1's loading screen was a pinkish red.
Throughout the movie, Theodore usually wore a pinkish red colored shirt. This
was no coincidence as it displayed his connection with Samantha. This bright colored
shirt symbolized a bright future and happiness in Theodore's life. Another example in which clothing is significant is when Theodore was set up on a date with a real women.The outfit of the women he went on a date with fit her character. This woman was fun, young and lively and the clothing she had on was a red and classy dress. The director chose this dress as it is the perfect outfit to match her bright personality. The outfit gave the viewers an idea of who this woman is through what she wears.
The acting in this film was very well done. Scarlett Johansson has the perfect voice to
play Samantha. It is very soft spoken and her tone of voice would always fit the situation
at hand . Her laugh could even bring happiness to the viewers as it allowed them to
laugh as well. When Samantha spoke, the viewers could always understand the
emotions she was feeling. This is one of the key characteristic to a great actress as
you can hear the emotion in her voice. A good example of this is when Samantha
would have an argument with Theodore. In these situations, Johansson used the
perfect tone of voice to ensure it would never end in an argument. Joaquin Phoenix
playing Theodore also acted exceptionally well in this film. His facial expressions
and body language fit with Theodore's personality. A good example of this is at the
beginning of the movie when Theodore was walking home from work. He was
walking very slowly and hunched looking defeated and sad. This was played
perfectly by Joaquin as the viewer could understand Theodore's emotions without
the use of dialogue.
A significant prop in this film is the earpiece that Theodore used to hear and talk to
Samantha. This is the only thing that connects him to Samantha and allows him to
have a relationship with her. The moment he removes this earpiece, it becomes
very real that Samantha isn't a human being . Another important prop in this film
was the little device that Theodore used to connect with Samantha. Theodore's
shirt had a chest pocket with a pin at the bottom so the devices camera could see
what he sees. This device was the only way for Samantha to see Theodore's
surroundings. In a sense, this device was a representation of Samantha's body.
The directors of this film used framing to capture the characters emotions.
An example of this is when Theodore was lying in bed talking to Samantha about
his ex wife. The directors used close up framing to show the viewers Theodore's
facial expressions. When talking about Catherine the viewers could observe that
Theodore was visibly upset and saddened by the topic of his past relationship.
Another example of framing is when Theodore was setting up Samantha. In this
scene, there was a mix of close-up and middle-shots to show Theodore's confusion
with this unfamiliar and new program. When Samantha first spoke, Theodore was
startled but as time went on, he sat more comfortably and began to move closer to
the computer.
A major theme that was present in the film is on the advancement of social robots.
It is also based on the impact that these robots have on society, collectively and as
individuals. The last major theme of this movie was based on the relations that a human
and robot can have. Despite the fact that Samantha seems as though she has
consciousness and posses real emotions, this films leads us to question if a human
and a robot can have a normal and healthy relationship. Can these relationships be
the same as a human to human relationship even though the OS1 seems to be a human?
Word Count: 1006 words
The acting in this film was very well done. Scarlett Johansson has the perfect voice to
play Samantha. It is very soft spoken and her tone of voice would always fit the situation
at hand . Her laugh could even bring happiness to the viewers as it allowed them to
laugh as well. When Samantha spoke, the viewers could always understand the
emotions she was feeling. This is one of the key characteristic to a great actress as
you can hear the emotion in her voice. A good example of this is when Samantha
would have an argument with Theodore. In these situations, Johansson used the
perfect tone of voice to ensure it would never end in an argument. Joaquin Phoenix
playing Theodore also acted exceptionally well in this film. His facial expressions
and body language fit with Theodore's personality. A good example of this is at the
beginning of the movie when Theodore was walking home from work. He was
walking very slowly and hunched looking defeated and sad. This was played
perfectly by Joaquin as the viewer could understand Theodore's emotions without
the use of dialogue.
A significant prop in this film is the earpiece that Theodore used to hear and talk to
Samantha. This is the only thing that connects him to Samantha and allows him to
have a relationship with her. The moment he removes this earpiece, it becomes
very real that Samantha isn't a human being . Another important prop in this film
was the little device that Theodore used to connect with Samantha. Theodore's
shirt had a chest pocket with a pin at the bottom so the devices camera could see
what he sees. This device was the only way for Samantha to see Theodore's
surroundings. In a sense, this device was a representation of Samantha's body.
The directors of this film used framing to capture the characters emotions.
An example of this is when Theodore was lying in bed talking to Samantha about
his ex wife. The directors used close up framing to show the viewers Theodore's
facial expressions. When talking about Catherine the viewers could observe that
Theodore was visibly upset and saddened by the topic of his past relationship.
Another example of framing is when Theodore was setting up Samantha. In this
scene, there was a mix of close-up and middle-shots to show Theodore's confusion
with this unfamiliar and new program. When Samantha first spoke, Theodore was
startled but as time went on, he sat more comfortably and began to move closer to
the computer.
A major theme that was present in the film is on the advancement of social robots.
It is also based on the impact that these robots have on society, collectively and as
individuals. The last major theme of this movie was based on the relations that a human
and robot can have. Despite the fact that Samantha seems as though she has
consciousness and posses real emotions, this films leads us to question if a human
and a robot can have a normal and healthy relationship. Can these relationships be
the same as a human to human relationship even though the OS1 seems to be a human?
Word Count: 1006 words
Quality of the Film
In our opinion, this film was very well made. The directors did a great job
executing the movie and the actors certainly fit well with their role. We particularly
liked the soundtrack of the film, as it helped the viewers understand and feel the
emotions that were going on in every scene. We also enjoyed how it projected what
the future of our society could become. Technology is becoming so advanced that
having an OS1 just like Samantha could certainly be something we would use in the
future. Another positive side to this film was that it had gorgeous sets that were nicely
filmed. For example, in the scene when Theodore was walking up the snowy
mountain, this scene was aesthetically very beautiful to watch along with many of
the others scenes. Another reason we enjoyed this film was how well it clearly
depicted the emotions that happen during a relationship. This is something that can be
hard to show but we think that this film illustrated it very well.
liked the soundtrack of the film, as it helped the viewers understand and feel the
emotions that were going on in every scene. We also enjoyed how it projected what
the future of our society could become. Technology is becoming so advanced that
having an OS1 just like Samantha could certainly be something we would use in the
future. Another positive side to this film was that it had gorgeous sets that were nicely
filmed. For example, in the scene when Theodore was walking up the snowy
mountain, this scene was aesthetically very beautiful to watch along with many of
the others scenes. Another reason we enjoyed this film was how well it clearly
depicted the emotions that happen during a relationship. This is something that can be
hard to show but we think that this film illustrated it very well.
Although we mostly enjoyed this film, we did not enjoy the fact that the film was a bit
slow and lacked a bit of the entertainment factor. Many of the scenes were dragged
out and lasted slightly longer than they should have. A good example of this is near
the end of the movie when Theodore was talking to Samantha on the stair of the
Subway and Samantha was talking about the end of OS1’s. This scene was
approximately four minutes of just the conversation between Theodore and
Samantha. This scene could have been cut down very much in length which would
help to make the movie shorter and make it much more entertaining.
out and lasted slightly longer than they should have. A good example of this is near
the end of the movie when Theodore was talking to Samantha on the stair of the
Subway and Samantha was talking about the end of OS1’s. This scene was
approximately four minutes of just the conversation between Theodore and
Samantha. This scene could have been cut down very much in length which would
help to make the movie shorter and make it much more entertaining.
Rating:
Course Connections
1) In this film we think that personification is used by Theodore towards Samantha. Personification is “any attribution of human characteristics to other animals, non-living things”(Selfhood study guide).In this case, Theodore speaks to Samantha as if she is a real person and is attributing human characteristics to a robot. For example, in this film Theodore told Charles, Amy and many other people he works with that he has a girlfriend. Although he may be building a connection with a robot, having a girlfriend is a word that you would typically attribute to another human. This means he is personifying the OS1 by using the term girlfriend for a robot. Another example in which personification is shown by Theodore towards Samantha is when he told Samantha “I've never loved anyone the way I loved you”(The Internet movie Script). Although this is not necessarily something that can only be said from human to human, it is something that makes Theodore sound as if he is talking to a real human. Theodore does not simply use Samantha as a tool, he uses Samantha as a companion and as a partner. He goes on trips with Samantha the OS1 and even brings Samantha to events such as his God daughters Birthday. This also displays the fact that he is anthropromizing her and bringing her to events as if she is a real human.
2)Another concept that can be seen in this film is the topic of metacognition
and being a self aware self. Although Samantha is only an OS, she is a self
aware self (course packet) as she has the ability to reflect and think about her
own existence, emotions and thinking. A perfect example of this is when Theodore
and Samantha were talking about their emotions as Theodore was lying in bed.
During this conversation, Samantha said “I had this terrible thought. Are these
feelings even real? Or are they just programming?”(The Internet script). This
comment is the perfect example of what a self aware self is and how it would think.
It shows that Samantha was aware that she is only a robot and has fears about
her existence and about whether or not she is real.
3) The last concept that I could connect to the film is the uncanny valley. In this
film, Samantha seems so real that it is almost scary. This is the concept of the
uncanny valley which is described as a “repulsive response” to a robot that is almost
identical to a human being. In the case of the film, Samantha has emotional
responses, has cognition and even seems as though she has consciousness
making it almost impossible to tell her different from another human being. This
OS Samantha crosses the line of the uncanny valley making her seem creepy to
the audience. Although Samantha at times crosses the line to the uncanny valley,
other times Samantha dose not cross the line at all. Since Samantha has no body
and is not present in the form of a human, Samantha at times can also seem far
from being human. The fact that Samantha does not have a body, makes the
viewers also see her as very fake not putting her into the category of the uncanny
valley.
uncanny valley which is described as a “repulsive response” to a robot that is almost
identical to a human being. In the case of the film, Samantha has emotional
responses, has cognition and even seems as though she has consciousness
making it almost impossible to tell her different from another human being. This
OS Samantha crosses the line of the uncanny valley making her seem creepy to
the audience. Although Samantha at times crosses the line to the uncanny valley,
other times Samantha dose not cross the line at all. Since Samantha has no body
and is not present in the form of a human, Samantha at times can also seem far
from being human. The fact that Samantha does not have a body, makes the
viewers also see her as very fake not putting her into the category of the uncanny
valley.
Questions
1.Where did all the Operating Systems go at the end of the film (O.S.)? Please explain.
2. Would you date a software with artificial intelligence? Why or why not?
3.How do you feel about the idea that a software could eventually become more intelligent than humans?
3.How do you feel about the idea that a software could eventually become more intelligent than humans?
Related Topics
1.
https://www.thesun.co.uk/fabulous/5022057/interview-harmony-sex-robot/
In this article, The Sun interviews Harmony, a sex robot. This robot is unlike any other social robot as she can keep a conversation about any topic. This prototype also shifts its personality depending of the user’s personality . If the user is quiet, the doll will be quiet which makes this robot seem more realistic . She still needs improvement as her answers to questions tend to be one or two lines long but it is a great example of humanity’s advancements in artificial intelligence.
2.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/divorce-grownups/200805/the-psychology-divorce
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/divorce-grownups/200805/the-psychology-divorce
Sam Marguiles breaks down the psychological aspect of a the divorce. Theo is greatly impacted by his divorce in Her, so this article helps us understand what he lives through. This article analyzes the two partners filing for a divorce. Marguiles calls the first “the initiator” whom is the individual that has been ruminating about their marriage dissolution for years. This individual had time to mourn the loss of the marriage as opposed to the next that is referred to as “the non-initiator”. This partner is often left in a state of utter shock when its partner brings up the separation. This article helps the viewer understand Theo’s emotional state.
Worsk Cited
“Her (2013).” IMDb, IMDb.com, www.imdb.com/title/tt1798709/.
“The Internet Movie Script Database (IMSDb).” The Internet Movie Script Database, www.imsdb.com/scripts/Her.html.
“Non-human animals(nha) and Selfhood Study Guide” Dr. KA McKinney
“Test Study Guide for Robots and AI”Dr. KA McKinney
Parry, Emma. “We Interview Harmony the Sex Robot with a Scottish Accent Who Likes Threesomes.” The Sun, The Sun, 5 Oct. 2018, www.thesun.co.uk/fabulous/5022057/interview-harmony-sex-robot/.
Psychology Today. (2018). The Psychology of Divorce. [online] Available at: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/divorce-grownups/200805/the-psychology-divorce [Accessed 11 Nov. 2018].
I’ve always wanted to see this film! I honestly believe that these types of relationships will soon be considered a norm in society, as we already have the technology for it (think Alexa and Google Home, for example!). For some reason, Her reminds me of an episode of Black Mirror called “Be Right Back” (everyone should watch this Netflix show, by the way!) in which a woman becomes a widow and finds out about a new online services that can provide her to talk to her deceased husband as though he is still alive. She begins texting “him” and soon talking to “him” on the phone, and this quickly leads her to unveiling old feelings from when he was still alive. The differences in Her is that he is developing a new relationship with a being that transcends the metaphysical, while in Black Mirror, the leading character has already formed a relationship human-to-human with her late husband. In my opinion, these services, at the start, will serve as helpful to individuals who have difficulties socially, in forming relations with others. Sooner down the line, however, they may drive us further away from each other and it will be easier to delete and restart a relationship with the click of a button, or even tinker a digital relationship to one’s liking.
ReplyDelete-Maya Blumenfeld
Overall, I think that your blog was very well thought out with good attention to some of the important aspects of the film. To answer your question of whether or not I would consider a relationship with an artificial intelligence (2), my answer would simply be no. The reasons as to why my answer is no include how I would never be able to fully alleviate the doubt that everything the AI would say is simply a programmed response. In addition to this, I would also have a very large fear of becoming too antisocial and maintaining only a close relationship with the AI. This being an assumption of the AI being advanced enough to give the illusion of a ‘perfect’ romantic acquaintance. Bringing these two points and many others together, I personally do not believe that I could ever be comfortable in a relationship of this kind.
ReplyDelete-Nicholas Hitchen
I really enjoyed reading this film blog and seeing different aspects of the film being analyzed than the ones in our blog. All of the film techniques and connections to the course were different than the ones we had but yet it showed that there are so many different elements and themes in the film. I found it cool that you guys included a link related to divorce because Theodore's divorce is a big factor in the film and it wouldn't have ever crossed my mind to include a link about that topic.
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to your question about where all the OS disappear to, I wish I had the answer but I do not. I wondered the same thing myself and have been trying to figure it out and see if there were any signs that indicated it was going to happen but nothing comes to mind. There are many theories that we can make as to why this happened and one of mine is that the computers became too invested in their relationships with the humans. Samantha admits to being many other people's companion as well as being Theodore's and even loving him so it gives us an idea of how close she may have been to others too. I think when the system was created it was for companions but maybe not to this extreme and the creators decided it had reached another level.
While many theories can be made that is my primary one but even then I feel like I world is going to only get more and more about having robot friends so is it really the reason probably not. That question lets our imagination flow which I really enjoy. There was clearly lots of thought and time that went into this blog, well done!
Justine Beghuin
I remember when this film first came out and I saw the trailer. I was really confused but also very intrigued by the film. After having read your very precise and in depth review I am still interested in seeing the film. I thought it was super interesting for you to connect the film to the uncanny valley. In class when we talked about it, we mostly talked about it in regards to the way a robot looked. You, however, compared it to the way she acted and spoke which made me think about the uncanny valley in a new way. Though I haven't seen the film yet I also found your questions to be very thought provoking. I also enjoyed how for your related topics you even connected it to the course again by providing us with another interview from Harmony. It is something we are all familiar with but also gives us more insight into the film and the topic.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading this blog and seeing the different point of views. Although our group did the same film, this still opens my eyes to different aspects of the movie. The question I want to answer is "Would you date a software with artificial intelligence? Why or why not?" For me personally, i would not. I would not be able to have the same emotional connection with an artificially intelligent software that i would have with a human. If i were to try it, i do not think it would last long only because i would know it was not real. The responses are programmed which means that there was no thought or meaning behind it.
ReplyDelete-Sharita Dooprajh
I very much enjoyed the way the blog was structured. Even though I did not see the movie, reading the blog gave me a good understanding of what the movie is about. I like the details that were put into every description of the film techniques. It really helps the readers get a good image of what is going on in the scene even though I have not seen the movie. I have heard of the movie before but never had the chance to watch it. After reading the blog I got a good idea of what the movie is about. My understanding from the blog was that the movie took place in Los Angeles in the future. The main character goes through a very bad break up with his ex-wife Catherine. Theodore wants a new friend and goes on a program called OS1. He ends up by falling in love with Samantha who is a bright female voice. Their relationship is very complicated because of all the criticism that they are getting from the public. The movie Her connects to our course content because we spoke a lot about how AI is potentially going to take over in the future. People have relationships with robots and dolls because of things that might have happened to them in the past. For example, bad past relationship or trauma due to sexual assaults, etc… In the movie, Theodore falls in love with Samantha because he was looking for a friend after getting out of a long relationship. I can connect this movie to The Blade Runner because Deckard also falls in love with a “robot”/ “Replicant” named Rachel. The Blade Runner movie also takes please in Los Angeles in the future of 2019.
ReplyDelete- Julia Chadi