Simply fantastic I'm not really all that into dramas or more serious films if I'm being honest. I rarely will spend a few hours watching a film that makes me think too much. I really just want to be entertained for a while. Sometimes though, a movie has a concept that really draws me in. That's why I decided to watch this one. I am so very glad I did. This movie has heart that other movies only dream about having.
I knew that this movie was based on a man who has a relationship with an a.i. But I very much was not ready for how hard this movie hit. I consider myself to be a classic guy. Someone who likes the outdoors and someone who isn't exactly comfortable with showing a lot of emotion. Having said that, this movie floored me. I've watched a few thousands of movies and only teared up twice before. That was, before I saw this one. The depth of humanity that this movie brings out is shocking. It's not exactly what you think it's about at first. The movie, like the titular a.i., evolves. Movies have been made that were similar to this one but they did not achieve the greatness that this movie does.
Phoenix is outstanding in his role as is everyone else. The standout I feel is Johansson. The depth of emotion and expression she brings out without even technically being on screen is phenomenal. From the very start when we are introduced to her, she feels real. I guess that also touches on one of the themes of the film. There are so many questions you could explore from thoughts about this movie. Hell, I think you could teach a college course on it. Phoenix is a brilliant actor but I think that Scarlett does not get the praise she deserves for her role. She nails it. Absolutely spot on. As well as being naturally good at voice acting, she has a beautiful singing voice. Two things I was unaware of previously. I cannot overstate how brilliant she is in this film.
I feel that this movie is mostly about existence. What is real? Are humans any more "real" than Samantha? Sure we have tissue and blood but that really isn't what makes us real, or human for that matter. Is Samantha "real" in this movie? I would argue that indeed, she is. Does she feel love? Does she feel it the same way as Theo does? Maybe. Can you hold "love' in your hand? Since you can't, does that mean it's not real or tangible? You could spend an entire lifetime debating this. That's what makes me love this movie so much. The commentary on life is so foundationally sound in this movie. Everything about this movie from the sound, the cinematography, the lighting, the characters, the music, is so close to perfect that It's hard to not feel something significant while you watch it. It's funny, it's sad, it's introspective, it's existential but above all, it's real. I could not possibly recommend this movie more. It's brilliant.