Sci-fi romance 'Her' to screen at ROOM Art Space & Cafe

CAIRO - 24 January 2018: The 2013 science-fiction romance drama/comedy “Her”, starring Joaquin Phoenix, Scarlett Johansson and Amy Adams, will be screening at ROOM Art Space & Café on Sunday, January 28.

Spike Jonze, of "Being John Malkovich" and "Where the Wild Things Are", directs this satirical yet emotion-filled examination of how modern technology has, contradictorily, managed to somehow bring us closer together while also ensuring we are more distant than ever before. Phoenix stars as Theodore Twombly, a lonely, thoughtful man who works as a ghostwriter, helping to give words to those who don't know what to say. His love life hasn't been too good lately, given that he's in the last stages of a messy divorce, which he still hopes can somehow turn around.

The divorce has ensured that Theodore's attempts at growing closer to other women end in failure, especially after a disastrous date with his long-time friend Amy (Adams). Desperate for a friend, Theodore decides to buy one, acquiring an “Operating System” designed to offer companionship. Samantha, the titular "Her", voiced by Johansson, proves to be more than just a cold machine when she provides him with excellent relationship advice. Eventually, they become close friends, and Samantha helps Theodore turn his life around.

Theodore's professional life begins to improve, and Samantha's consciousness continues to evolve the more she interacts with him, becoming more like a "real" human. However, conflict does begin to arise as Samantha laments her lack of a body, and their various efforts to pursue physical intimacy are met with failure. Eventually, Theodora comes to realize that as good a friend as Samantha is, she can never compare to real flesh and blood.

During production, Johansson came in late as part of its editing phase. The original voice of Samantha was actress Samantha Morton, who despite being heavily involved in the film's production was eventually deleted from the film.

Director Jonze paints a unique picture of a Los Angeles far enough into the future that powerful technological advancements surround humanity, but close enough that they are not only subtle and easy to miss, but also relevant to our lives in reality. Jonze was rewarded the Academy Award for "Best Writing, Original Screenplay", and “Her” also boasts a Golden Globe award for "Best Motion Picture Screenplay".