Ever since Spike Jonze’s new movie Her debuted at the New York Film Festival last month, the film circuit has been abuzz about Scarlett Johansson’s compelling performance as the titular “her” character. Rumors have gone so far as to suggest she may be in for an Oscar – notworthy as a rumor only because she doesn’t actually show her face in the movie. Scarlett’s contribution to Her is entirely off-screen. This past weekend, Johansson was named Best Actress at the Rome Film festival – while the Italian Festival’s impact on the awards season on this side of the pond is minimal, it’s an unusual accolade, and one that has raised more than a few eyebrows.
The movie, a romantic fantasy, stars Joaquin Phoenix as Theodore, a divorced, lonely writer who, in the not-so-distant future, activates “Samantha” – played by Scarlett Johansson – a Siri-like digital helper/operating system hybrid which promises to plan and organize his life. Theodore grows increasingly more attracted to Samantha and the two begin to forge a romantic relationship.
It’s an unlikely premise, but one that touches on a reality that may be closer than we imagine. The “cybersex generation”, embodied by anonymous hookups in online chat rooms, already feels like a relic from days past. Online dating is quickly becoming the preferred method of meeting new partners for busy, young urbanites. It’s only a matter of time before we become too busy to even do that – and start resorting to Siri. A ridiculous, unlikely suggestion, sure, from the perspective of the emotionally stunted Siri, or the entirely desexualized Google Now. But Siri has the potential to offer one thing that no online dating site can provide: complete personalization. You can make her love you, because she has no one else. No rejection, no expensive dinners, no courting. Of course, no sex either.
Is this really where we’re headed? Time will tell.
But back to ‘Her.’ Scarlett’s distinct, raspy voice may not generate an Oscar for Johansson (even though both the Los Angeles Times and Deadline seem to think so), but it is a scary reminder that one of your friend’s next girlfriends might be their computer.