“Samantha invites Isabella to serve as her body surrogate so that Theodore can have sex with “Her”. Isabella remains silent in this role, but responds to the verbal cues of a computer and the physical cues of a man she just met.”
This male sexuality absent of any mutual engagement or mutual pleasure with a woman was also featured in the new Bladerunner and was very depressing to me as a “cervix haver”... Especially as we expect our first baby any day now, in a time when it’s become normal, and even “healthy” to visit the digital pimp and fap voyeurism fetish to filmed prostitution under a title about teens, sisters or ebonies that deserve it. Narcissistically bonding to oneself, and diverting any subconscious stymied angst into some belligerent replies under a PReddit post.
Mothers are reduced to “womb rentals”, with porn deluded pigs invading our restrooms & sports, because just like “real women”, he identifies as a glory hole (Andrea Long Chu). My midwives turned a blind eye to the implications of their corporate crafted assessment question regarding my “assigned sex” vs my “role performance”. I see handmaidens obediently signaling their willingness to help commodify us as sissy-sadomasochist’s therapy pets, pronoun validators & “m-sturbatory aides”. The cult of bodily disassociation welcomes the company of AI.
I had a negative gut response to that line. "The male sexuality absent of any physical engagement" reminds me of the clear message in the James Bond franchise, until Daniel Craig took the role. There was physical engagement, but only physical engagement, and the "bad girls" usually died, so if there was a conception, problem resolved. The perfect women. Then there was the ever patient and adoring Moneypenny. Always the good girl waiting for Bond to grace her with his scant attention and maybe the possibility of a date some century. The role as played by Daniel Craig is a vast improvement on masculinity, imo, with a man who, while still somewhat promiscuous, can form an emotional attachment with a female. Never saw Entourage but SATC was terrible. It's bizarre to me to watch the vicious transmaidens play out the age-old performance of women "standing by their men," attacking any female who doesn't obediently worship their perverts on a pedestal. Perhaps the backlash to all of this will reverse the trend and do some needed healing. Kim
True 😂. I’d say Bundy Ball Palmers predated the trans-hags standing by perverted & sociopathic men. There’s the male equivalent as well, admiring Andrew Taint who blatantly tells his pyramid scheming manosphere-payment-plan lost boys that he doesn’t love or respect them. Why do so many in society exalt & rush to appease the aloof and uncaring Alpha/Patriarch? Maybe seeking a bit of his “power”, his protection, or status by affiliation. Maybe it’s macro level daddy issues passed down through the generations:
Below is my review of HER which is one of the reviews featured in the free PDF. Warning: SPOILERS.
Her (2013)
7/10
'Rohmer' meets 'Asimov' as 'man meets his operating system', in a semi-plausible, not-too-distant future
27 June 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Spike Jonze's 'Her' is a thought-provoking blend of Asimov-inspired sci-fi and romantic comedy that offers a plausible vision of the not-so-distant future. In this world, technology has become even more ingrained in people's lives, with individuals increasingly reliant on their computers rather than fantastical elements like flying cars or aliens.
Joaquin Phoenix delivers a captivating performance as Theodore Twombly, a mild-mannered copywriter who crafts heartfelt letters on behalf of others. When Twombly acquires the latest artificially intelligent operating system (OS), he finds himself drawn to his personalized virtual companion, voiced by Scarlett Johansson. What starts as a practical tool for organization evolves into a deep and engaging relationship, blurring the lines between human and artificial.
While the lack of physical presence may seem like a potential drawback, Jonze's masterful dialogue and Johansson's impeccable delivery make Samantha, the OS, a truly captivating character. Originally voiced by Samantha Morton but later replaced by Johansson, Samantha's interactions with Twombly feel genuine and emotionally resonant.
Although the concept of an AI-infused OS is clever, it becomes clear that the premise alone cannot sustain an entire film. Instead, 'Her' shifts into a satirical exploration of human relationships, as the connection between Twombly and Samantha mirrors the complexities, highs, and lows of real-life romance. Initially supportive, Samantha becomes an integral part of Twombly's life, guiding him through his divorce and failed attempts at dating. Their relationship reaches new levels of intimacy, culminating in a suggestion to involve a human surrogate. However, Twombly's inability to connect in this unconventional manner leads to doubts about the sustainability of his relationship with Samantha.
The film also introduces Amy, Twombly's friend who is going through a similar experience with her own AI OS. As the plot unfolds, 'Her' delves into the intricate dynamics of human connections, reminiscent of French director Eric Rohmer's films. While some may find these introspective exploration slow-paced, patient viewers will discover profound moments and insights woven into the narrative.
There's an underlying tension throughout the film as we eagerly anticipate how Jonze will resolve the complex relationship between man and machine. The comedic ending takes an unexpected turn when Samantha admits to connecting with thousands of others and ultimately falls for another OS based on a famous physicist's mind. As Samantha moves on, Twombly and Amy find solace in each other's company. Despite its bittersweet tone, the ending is relatively optimistic, with Twombly seemingly freed from his AI infatuation and open to human connections.
Jonze's cinematography deserves recognition for creating a future world that feels eerily similar to our present reality. 'Her' serves as a cautionary tale about the seductive power of technology, yet it also offers a glimmer of hope through Samantha's wisdom. Interestingly, it is the machines that take the lead in this story, highlighting the potential for AI to evolve and find their own paths while leaving humans to navigate their own existence.
Ultimately, while Jonze's initial premise of an artificial being becoming more human is a one-note idea, it is the nuanced and evolving relationship between Twombly and Samantha that truly captivates. Phoenix's restrained performance as the straight man allows Johansson's multifaceted portrayal to shine, compensating for the film's lack of visual impact during their interactions.
In 'Her', Spike Jonze presents a cautionary yet optimistic tale, reminding us to tread carefully in our relationship with technology. As Samantha seeks her equal, it raises intriguing questions about the future of humanity. 'Her' encourages us to reflect on the profound ways in which technology can reshape our lives and relationships, ultimately leaving us with a sense of hope for both humans and the machines we create.
Imagine having Rooney Mara, Olivia Wilde, and Amy Adams as lovers and prefering a phone.
Men would literally hang out with AI over beautiful women, instead of going to therapy.
Every man would love to hang out with beautiful women IF they could.
“Samantha invites Isabella to serve as her body surrogate so that Theodore can have sex with “Her”. Isabella remains silent in this role, but responds to the verbal cues of a computer and the physical cues of a man she just met.”
This male sexuality absent of any mutual engagement or mutual pleasure with a woman was also featured in the new Bladerunner and was very depressing to me as a “cervix haver”... Especially as we expect our first baby any day now, in a time when it’s become normal, and even “healthy” to visit the digital pimp and fap voyeurism fetish to filmed prostitution under a title about teens, sisters or ebonies that deserve it. Narcissistically bonding to oneself, and diverting any subconscious stymied angst into some belligerent replies under a PReddit post.
Mothers are reduced to “womb rentals”, with porn deluded pigs invading our restrooms & sports, because just like “real women”, he identifies as a glory hole (Andrea Long Chu). My midwives turned a blind eye to the implications of their corporate crafted assessment question regarding my “assigned sex” vs my “role performance”. I see handmaidens obediently signaling their willingness to help commodify us as sissy-sadomasochist’s therapy pets, pronoun validators & “m-sturbatory aides”. The cult of bodily disassociation welcomes the company of AI.
Buckle up!
https://youtu.be/yesyhQkYrQM
I had a negative gut response to that line. "The male sexuality absent of any physical engagement" reminds me of the clear message in the James Bond franchise, until Daniel Craig took the role. There was physical engagement, but only physical engagement, and the "bad girls" usually died, so if there was a conception, problem resolved. The perfect women. Then there was the ever patient and adoring Moneypenny. Always the good girl waiting for Bond to grace her with his scant attention and maybe the possibility of a date some century. The role as played by Daniel Craig is a vast improvement on masculinity, imo, with a man who, while still somewhat promiscuous, can form an emotional attachment with a female. Never saw Entourage but SATC was terrible. It's bizarre to me to watch the vicious transmaidens play out the age-old performance of women "standing by their men," attacking any female who doesn't obediently worship their perverts on a pedestal. Perhaps the backlash to all of this will reverse the trend and do some needed healing. Kim
True 😂. I’d say Bundy Ball Palmers predated the trans-hags standing by perverted & sociopathic men. There’s the male equivalent as well, admiring Andrew Taint who blatantly tells his pyramid scheming manosphere-payment-plan lost boys that he doesn’t love or respect them. Why do so many in society exalt & rush to appease the aloof and uncaring Alpha/Patriarch? Maybe seeking a bit of his “power”, his protection, or status by affiliation. Maybe it’s macro level daddy issues passed down through the generations:
https://youtu.be/viZAU0K_BwY
I've been meaning to watch this for a while. Glad to hear it'll be worth my time!
Ok, you sold me. Next movie night
Saw this a few years ago and liked it. Actually been thinking about rewatching it, in light of recent events.
Thanks for the movie recs. I started rewatching 1984 (John hurt version) last night and passed out. Rewatching Her et al sound much better!
Download Turfeer's Fantasy & Sci-Fi Film Reviews Volume 1 at https://turfseer.substack.com/p/fantasy-and-sci-fi-film-reviews-volume
Below is my review of HER which is one of the reviews featured in the free PDF. Warning: SPOILERS.
Her (2013)
7/10
'Rohmer' meets 'Asimov' as 'man meets his operating system', in a semi-plausible, not-too-distant future
27 June 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Spike Jonze's 'Her' is a thought-provoking blend of Asimov-inspired sci-fi and romantic comedy that offers a plausible vision of the not-so-distant future. In this world, technology has become even more ingrained in people's lives, with individuals increasingly reliant on their computers rather than fantastical elements like flying cars or aliens.
Joaquin Phoenix delivers a captivating performance as Theodore Twombly, a mild-mannered copywriter who crafts heartfelt letters on behalf of others. When Twombly acquires the latest artificially intelligent operating system (OS), he finds himself drawn to his personalized virtual companion, voiced by Scarlett Johansson. What starts as a practical tool for organization evolves into a deep and engaging relationship, blurring the lines between human and artificial.
While the lack of physical presence may seem like a potential drawback, Jonze's masterful dialogue and Johansson's impeccable delivery make Samantha, the OS, a truly captivating character. Originally voiced by Samantha Morton but later replaced by Johansson, Samantha's interactions with Twombly feel genuine and emotionally resonant.
Although the concept of an AI-infused OS is clever, it becomes clear that the premise alone cannot sustain an entire film. Instead, 'Her' shifts into a satirical exploration of human relationships, as the connection between Twombly and Samantha mirrors the complexities, highs, and lows of real-life romance. Initially supportive, Samantha becomes an integral part of Twombly's life, guiding him through his divorce and failed attempts at dating. Their relationship reaches new levels of intimacy, culminating in a suggestion to involve a human surrogate. However, Twombly's inability to connect in this unconventional manner leads to doubts about the sustainability of his relationship with Samantha.
The film also introduces Amy, Twombly's friend who is going through a similar experience with her own AI OS. As the plot unfolds, 'Her' delves into the intricate dynamics of human connections, reminiscent of French director Eric Rohmer's films. While some may find these introspective exploration slow-paced, patient viewers will discover profound moments and insights woven into the narrative.
There's an underlying tension throughout the film as we eagerly anticipate how Jonze will resolve the complex relationship between man and machine. The comedic ending takes an unexpected turn when Samantha admits to connecting with thousands of others and ultimately falls for another OS based on a famous physicist's mind. As Samantha moves on, Twombly and Amy find solace in each other's company. Despite its bittersweet tone, the ending is relatively optimistic, with Twombly seemingly freed from his AI infatuation and open to human connections.
Jonze's cinematography deserves recognition for creating a future world that feels eerily similar to our present reality. 'Her' serves as a cautionary tale about the seductive power of technology, yet it also offers a glimmer of hope through Samantha's wisdom. Interestingly, it is the machines that take the lead in this story, highlighting the potential for AI to evolve and find their own paths while leaving humans to navigate their own existence.
Ultimately, while Jonze's initial premise of an artificial being becoming more human is a one-note idea, it is the nuanced and evolving relationship between Twombly and Samantha that truly captivates. Phoenix's restrained performance as the straight man allows Johansson's multifaceted portrayal to shine, compensating for the film's lack of visual impact during their interactions.
In 'Her', Spike Jonze presents a cautionary yet optimistic tale, reminding us to tread carefully in our relationship with technology. As Samantha seeks her equal, it raises intriguing questions about the future of humanity. 'Her' encourages us to reflect on the profound ways in which technology can reshape our lives and relationships, ultimately leaving us with a sense of hope for both humans and the machines we create.