Scarlett Johansson is a talented actress who captured my attention when she was first introduced as Black Widow in Marvel's Iron Man 2 (2010). Her portrayal of this character was simply fantastic and though I'm always sceptical of superheroes, I think I believed she was real! The heroine's suit looked sleek and good on her, her demeanour, composure and hand-to-hand combat were captivating.
Her performances in other Marvel films like Avengers, Captain America: Civil War were a delight to watch. Whenever I see Scarlett Johansson in a film, my mental picture of her as the badass Black Widow heroine takes centre stage. It was like that was the only role she was good at until I watched her perform in other films. The ones that stood out for me particularly were Her (2013), Lucy (2014) and Marriage Story (2019). These are my favourites apart from the Marvel films but for the purpose of this contest, I'll focus on Her (2013).
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I don't often like to see science fiction and romance together but a fine mix of the two genres usually makes an interesting watch and gives the plot some reality. That's what Her delivered. This American sci-fi romance featured an ensemble cast which included Joaquin Phoenix as the lead, Scarlett Johansson as an AI virtual assistant, Rooney Mara, Olivia Wilde, Amy Adams and Christ Pratt.
The setting of the film is in 2025 which I believe is like a foreshadowing of the times we are in now—the beginning of the reign of artificial intelligence. In this film, the protagonist, Theodore, falls in love with his AI assistant simply because it can adapt and evolve.
I like the plot of this film as it calls to question and perhaps some reflection on what it means to be human, how we handle our emotions and whether we can teach AIs to simulate them. It also prepares viewers for a near future where the possibility of AIs evolving even to the point of simulating physical intimacy. Okay, that may seem weird but like I said, it's a possibility.
I'll say the director, Spike Jonze, weaved this story perfectly, eliciting some empathy for Theodore in an AI-dominated era. Scarlet Johansson and Joaquin Phoenix's performances were touching, convincing and excellent. Theodore opened up and laid himself bare for Samantha more than he did with the humans around him including his ex-wife and the woman he went on a date with. Samantha became that soothing, understanding and loving voice in his ears who not only listens but also offers advice. I believe that can be addictive and make a person lose touch with reality.
The relationship between Theodore and Samantha is very weird, like who forms an attachment to a device but the two actors pull it off superbly such that I began to root for them along the way. When these characters said goodbye at the point when AIs were leaving, my heart broke alongside Theodore's. All it took to transform an ordinary guy into an extraordinary and confident one is a virtual assistant. I think when AIs become common all over the world, the Theodore and Samantha kind of relationship will be a reality then (if it's not already so now).
Overall, Her is a heartwarming sci-fi romance film worth watching. Jonze did a fantastic job constructing a world where unusual love stories take place. I may see Scarlett Johansson as a badass sometimes but I'm reminded she has a softer side, thanks to this film.
What other female actresses do you think we should do for the next contest like this?
I enjoy watching female actresses acting the part of the badass heroine in action movies. There are many cool female action stars to choose from but I'll suggest Charlize Theron, Gal Gadot, Kate Beckinsale, Milla Jovovich and Olga Kurylenko.
Where there's a watch-worthy action film to be made, it's any of these ladies I would wish to see in it!
This is my entry to the Cine TV Contest #63 - Favorite Scarlett Johansson Movie. To participate, just click on the link and it will take you straight to the post. The deadline is 6th June, 2023, 11:59 PM, UTC.
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Images are screenshots from the movie
Posted using CineTV