An Innovative Idea of a "Loving AI" Conceived Before Siri's Birth

In the 1990s, Spike Jonze, a master of the MTV world alongside Michel Gondry and Chris Cunningham, helmed numerous acclaimed works such as Björk's music videos and NIKE commercials. He made his directorial debut with 'Being John Malkovich' (2000), and has crafted unique worlds in films like 'Human Nature' (2002), which he produced, and 'Where the Wild Things Are' (2010), a live-action adaptation of the beloved children's book. His latest theme is a romantic love story with an "AI (Artificial Intelligence)". The film won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay in 2014 and received nominations in five other categories, including Best Original Score and Best Production Design. It has achieved a remarkable feat of winning 43 awards and receiving 65 nominations at film festivals worldwide.

About 10 years ago, before Siri even existed, Jonze was inspired by an article he read online and attempted to converse with an AI himself. This experience became the catalyst for the film. "When I said 'Hello,' the AI replied 'Hello.' We exchanged greetings like 'How are you?' 'I'm fine. And you?' and I felt a thrill, realizing, 'I'm talking to a 'thing,' and this 'thing' is listening to me!'"

During his visit to Japan prior to the film's release, Jonze explained his motivation: "The subjects that captivate me are rooted in what I'm thinking and feeling at the time. Back then, while writing the script, I was contemplating relationships between people, including romantic love. In modern society, we're busy processing vast amounts of information, and the forms of communication are constantly evolving. The premise of 'a man falling in love with an AI' is merely a setup to explore the difficulty of truly connecting with a loved one by revealing oneself."

Scarlett Johansson's Sexy and Humorous Samantha, Performed Entirely by "Voice"

The film is set in a near-future Los Angeles. Theodore, a professional letter writer going through a divorce, "meets" and falls in love with Samantha, a cutting-edge AI operating system. As they converse from morning to night and go on "dates" with Theodore carrying his device in his pocket, he eventually introduces Samantha as his irreplaceable "lover" to those around him.—His confusion and anguish over a relationship with an entity without a physical form are depicted as a poignant and sweet love story, imbued with universality, alongside beautiful visuals, music, and a fashion style that is both futuristic and retro, inspired by the "1920s."

Theodore is played by Joaquin Phoenix, brother of the late River Phoenix. Scarlett Johansson, who brilliantly portrays Samantha as a "woman" with her husky "voice" alone, delivering a performance that is both sexy and humorous, won the Best Actress award at the Rome Film Festival for her role. "Scarlett, with her profound self-understanding and confidence, was the only one who could have accomplished this challenging role of portraying a character with desires, anxieties, and self-doubt solely through her voice," Jonze analyzes.

Theodore, wounded and emotionally depleted from his marriage, gradually regains his feelings through the innocent Samantha. Conversely, Samantha, by acquiring complex emotions like fear and jealousy, finds herself unable to be straightforward with Theodore. The diverging paths of their relationship can be seen as Jonze's answer to his desire to "make a film about the challenges of intimacy between people." We encourage you to experience its delicate and emotional message in theaters.

'Her'
Opening Saturday, June 28th at Shinjuku Piccadilly and other cinemas nationwide.
Directed, Written, and Produced by Spike Jonze
Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, Rooney Mara, Scarlett Johansson, and others.
Distributed by Asmik Ace
2013 / USA / 126 minutes / PG12
http://her.asmik-ace.co.jp/

Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures