Rating : 8/10
Release Date : 14th February, 2014
Time : 126 minutes
Director, Writer : Spike Jonze; Music : Arcade Fire
Starring : Joaquin Phoenix, (Voice of) Scarlett Johansson, Amy Adams, Olivia Wilde, Rooney Mara, Matt Letscher, Chris Pratt
He, a loner, still struggling to come to terms with the impending divorce from his childhood sweetheart (Rooney Mara). As a sign of changing times, he has a job as a letter writer for BeautifulHandWrittenLetters.com, where he writes letters for other people on various occasions (birthdays, graduation etc). He, on a whim, decides to buy a brand new operating system, which promises to be cutting edge, interactive, intuitive like never before. Which can view the world through his mobile phone camera. Talk to him like a person (voice of Scarlett Johansson) through an earphone, understand his needs, likes, dislikes. And then, he proceeds to fall in love with it !
The amazing part of how beautifully the movie is constructed is that at no stage do you feel this is a leap too far…everything is built up nicely, there is a logical progression. You see the friendship developing, the incredible things that the system is able to do, you can sense his loneliness, his lack of confidence after the failure of the biggest relationship of his life. And you feel for him, you want him to be happy – he is alone but not a creep, he has diffident manners but his letters display a sentimental heart. He has friends – Chris Pratt at his workplace, Amy Adams in his apartment block – but no one really close. He even tries to date (a gorgeous, available Olivia Wilde) but is too caught up in his past at that stage to be able to go further. And there is the operating system, which is evolving at every step of the way…figuring him and itself out, going far beyond what its programmers would’ve dreamt of.
Joaquin is so believable in his role, its uncanny. His look, demeanour, body language, eyes all conveying an overwhelming underconfidence, the life of a loner. Who changes, bit by little bit, as his relationship develops. And Scarlett’s voice is so husky, throaty, sensuous, she makes even a ‘Can I send your emails?’ sound unbelievably sexy. She gets her voice modulation bang on - especially as she begins to have doubts of her own, interacts with other people, takes over Joaquin’s life.
It was quite an experience sitting through this one. Its slow but insidious in several ways, getting inside your head and refusing to leave. And it definitely makes you relook at your computer, your operating system differently – you wish for certain technological advancements to arrive quite quickly here !
47 comments:
The Life Of A Loner : You love exploring the philosophical side of things, can feel the pain of the character, keenly observe d world around u & uniquely expess it through this creative avenue.. You perceive d chaos in d world & feel a strong desire to bring about a change. You have the fire in your belly... My Dear Blogger, you will definitely leave a legacy for all your good work..
His eyes speak a thousand words.... You can become very introspective about your beliefs & become more empathetic to other people's problems. Bet, your big heart brings love & harmony in all your personal relationships. D energy you put into your work must allow you to experience material blessings in your home environment. Young blood ! The great charm you possess... How well one can identify with his character... his inability to express. D tragedy of d urban life.. Fills d void in his life & finds solace in d voice of his computer !! Futuristic..But here's d real litmus test : Given our addiction to technology, it won't be long before we do consider having a relationship with our gadgets ! (smart phones/ Virtual Images) .. Satirical take on love in a digital age..
His eyes speak a 1000 words & the moustache lends his hostile character that much required mystique. The tragedy of urban life... A man so alone that he fills the void in his life by having feelings for his operating system.!! Having heartfelt conversation with her husky voice brings solace to him... One can identify with the character & his inability to express. Unconventional love story between the Man and the Machine... Simply shows the need of conversation with real people.. What a bizzare relationship.. The trend has changed in the last one and a half decades, why are people getting addicted to technology ? At the rate development is taking place,... it won't take long for people to have a relationship with their gadgets. Will that be our future ??
& there was bleak comfort that through this medium I could express dissent & unorthodox views freely. Translate my raw emotions into words, think & write freely whatever comes to my mind without any censorship...
Whatever happens in the future, our desire to love and be loved will never die...more than anything we just want to be together...such is our simple wish in this complex world.
Et U..... ???
As rhe Sun peeped over the horizon on July 1st : Hail, bounteous July, that doth inspire Mirth and youth and warm desire... ... .. .
Phir wahi raat hai khwab ki...
Another addition to my extended family... The baby is sooo pink-y and chubby. Just dying to hold her in my arms.. Looks like a 6 month old Chinese baby girl...
Got to see two stand up comedy shows, back to back... Vir Das is simply hilarious in The History of India. The other one was by Mehbooba Modi Kidwai and Aditi Mittal.. One of the one liners - The 'L' of Lucknow is being replaced by 'F' and did you know Jodhpur is being changed to 'Ch'...& rest of the letters ... (Don't mind the crass)...
XOXOXO
Hiiiii darling blog... Have resurfaced...have lots to tell...
Have been getting regular updates about the Pinky....candy floss. How i wish your blog had the provision of sending photos.. Love to hold babies.. During summer holidays, when young, used to be with my nani for two months...(my inspiration, pillar of strength. Always lived on her terms, widow since three decades, a practicing lady doctor {but now few patients come}..my only surviving grandparent, .... Post dilivery and after the needful task of cleaning and feeding..i used to hold them..soft stuffed toys...
Nothing beats the pleasure of meeting like minded people and having a healthy discussion about the changing values.. Was fortunate to meet the Dean of a prestigious institute from His city. A learned scholar with amazing credentials..what an evening it was.. He mentioned that they had just shifted campus and all they could see past two days was mist.. He asked us to come over as guest speakers...
For a splits second was elated, then remembered His cold behavior ...(my maiden visit to the city)..and politely declined the offer..
It's a beautiful night....
In my next life I want to live backwards. You start out dead and get that out of the way. Then you wake up in an old people's home feeling better everyday. You get kicked out for being too healthy, go collect your pension and then when you start work, you get a gold watch and a party on your first day. You work for 40 years until you're young enough to enjoy your retirement. You party, drink alcohol and are generally promiscuous. Then you are ready for high school. You then go to primary school, you become a kid, you play, you have no responsibilities, you become a baby until you are born. And then you spend your last 9 months floating in luxurious spa like conditions with central heating and room service on top, larger quarters every day and then, you finish off as an orgasm ! I rest my case.. My Next Life by Woody Allen...
With effect from 1st September school timings are being increased.. ... As life ebbs away...shall be more busy..all my energy..in work
Attended a workshop today on affirmation ... It was sooo heavy... .... Was yawning constantly.... Want to take a 3 days sabbatical of looong lunches, spa treatments (taken just once)... Extremely relaxing and detoxing. Highly recommended if undertaken minus spouse and children.... Such empathy can be only shown by a married, working woman with a demanding hubby.. Achche din aayenge kab? But you do keep up my bantering... it's the highlight of every single day for me, provides relief.. Haa koi to hai... .... Good Times are round the corner..aaj ki class ka aser..
The celebrity that you are, moving among the celebs of Bombay, would be able to answer all the questions that Rajiv Masand asks on Friday nights...must have won so many awards and prizes... What else fascinates you ?
Isn't technology just wondetful...amazes me how people can remain connected all the time.... Wish... ...... What's the point...
On Saturday, the lady conducted a 10 minutes meditation session, towards the end. Asked us to close our eyes and visualize the most beautiful thing you like\aspire for....only His face appeared before my closed eyes... Wish you a very good day ...
Even during doing Sudarshan-kriya (Art of Living)..we are supposed to chant "so-hum"... 2 phonetic sound in our subconscious state.. Just couldn't get it right, coz the sound I heard was of the name by what I address Him...
Even during doing Sudarshan-kriya (Art of Living)..we are supposed to chant "so-hum"... 2 phonetic sound in our subconscious state.. Just couldn't get it right, coz the sound I heard was of the name by what I address Him... Iskoo mera deewaanapan samajheye ka mohabbat ka saroor...
His strange, silent and stubborn ways...cut me out of His thoughts..pains me..wish could find a way to know the reason. How strong I feel the bond between us growing deep within myself.. Those were the days my friend : he drank in the wet-eyed earnestness of his beloved..every word spoken by him is "GHAZAL" ... A man of caliber of strength that I had never known equal of.. Cannot hide the fire in his eyes while discussing the game.. The game that has always been in his blood. Always stands out from the masses. May he continue to taste huge success.. Give Him a thumbs up for bringing the wings of change in my life.. Mr. Perfect. Fantabulous... Equally passionate about wine as he is about reading.. .... Writing is a serious work and sometimes we get so caught up in it that we forget about simple things like having fun... As tough as it sounds, we need to schedule regular vacations so we can remain fresh and prepared to take on challenges. Visit people you haven't seen in a loooong time...
What the hullabaloo in school today ! Apparently, we have a ten hours shift tomorrow courtesy Mr. Modi...
I too made a difference in the life of Someone precious .... Ek sw-rachit pankti suna rahi ho, umeed karti hoon pasand aayegi. Arz kiya hai - {{The love that binds me to you -- Like the night bird gazing at the passing moon... I am lost dwelling on you.... O my beloved - come back ! -- A cry from the heart.. }}
Meanwhile, the people of the world would lay in their beds, trying in vain to sleep and deserving that rest, if they could find it... Sunup provokes desire...
Have a tough job up my sleeve. But i guess it's pretty rewarding when you have one of those chipmunks looking up to you with one of the most innocent expression in the eyes and a flower in the hand...
Dead tired tonight... Teachers had put up a power packed dance performance.. Daily rehearsals.. Having a terrible back ache ... Signs of ageing... Later were shown Mary Kom.. .. am an ardent supporter of such films. Priyanka's pugnacious attitude had most of us clapping.. It is beautiful in some parts.. An arduous journey of Mary Kom.. Exercise demands a lot of energy..focus, determination... Renaissance Man, it's a must watch... Sweet dreams to me.....
More questions: Dearest Apurv, which is the movie that has truly moved you ? Which book means a lot to you (other than your own ? Which is the song that you like to hum ? The predominant thought in your mind on days when you are blissfully doing nothing ?
I am a big fan of Kishore Kumar. Kabhi Kabhi Mere Dil Mein from Kabhi Kabhi is one of my favourites...had always dreamt it to be Him...
Not these bite marks and scars..you know, I have no full size mirrors coz of this very reason.... Don't feel like looking at myself... Probably That was the only day, when He led me to His room when I had a good look at my full body. Nude ... and wasn't ashamed..
All indulgence begins with sundown...should one stifle desire ?
Incessant desire-driven activity and the resultant turbulence in the mind make for mediocrity....
Have to do something constructive in my free time too. The dance class I had enrolled in has come to an end. Am not a TV buff. Like to watch meaningful cinema or interesting plays.. Get a lot of lucrative offers for home tutions. But then again, don't want to be tied-up. Want to be a free bird. But damn... His thoughts...they don't free my mind. Feel so helpless.. Books provide relief, though temporarily...
My Sonny encourages me to write.. But have no other support.... I wonder..what would I write about
Was just chaatiyofying with my son. He is going to be in that city in the 2nd week of October.. How I wish they would meet.... Lord make my wish come true.
Somehow..
My cousin brother, who just became a father, too had done his 'higher studies' from The International Institute of Ponytail Management. Such exorbitant fees was charged. Free laptop provided. Self-paid internship at international dream destinations. 100% job placement was promised... When he was with the institute, he wouldn't stop jabbering sbout it.. Poor chap, couldn't even get a decent job in the city.. Wherever he worked, it was on the basis of 'shifarish'... Or maybe children born with a silver spoon in their mouth aren't used to hard work.. The ponytailed guy, his name is so pretentious, even by Bengali standards ! Yesterday the Bar Council derecognized DU Law course and now this one barred from offering MBA.. A big blow to the guy..
Humming : Teri aakhoon ke siwa duniya mein rakhha kya hai.. Sound horrible ! Now that you know it was me all along.... Bindaas ... I can write anything. Can take liberty openly :) :) :) Chio....
The problem is there are too many questions in my life and not enough answers...
He is a romantic at heart...
What is this new stuff.. To prove I am not a robot..type some weird words ? Irritating ..
His actions speak louder than his words. I saw him live in action.... He redefines passion... ..... So, with another Diwali, I am once again reminded of my (long-pending) tryst with destiny..
Wish could do away with the bra.. So very cumbersome..
The 75 numbers on my contact list...all busy leading their own life..who has time these days...one silly me...the odd one out..
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