Her | Key Shots

In this section of our Colossus Movie Guide for Her, we look at the key shots that help us understand the film. 

Cast

• Joaquin Phoenix – Theodore Twombly
• Scarlett Johansson – Samantha
• Amy Adams – Amy
• Rooney Mara – Catherine Klausen
• Olivia Wilde – Blind Date
• Matt Letscher – Charles
• Luka Jones – Mark Lewman
• Chris Pratt – Paul
• Kristen Wiig – Sexy Kitten
• Bill Hader – Chat Room Friend #2
• Portia Doubleday – Isabella
• Soko – Isabella’s voice
• Brian Cox – Alan Watts
• Spike Jonze – Writer and director

Key shots of Her

Theodore in his apartment

There are several shots of Theodore alone in his spacious apartment, often with large windows displaying the cityscape. These shots emphasize his loneliness and isolation, while the warm color palette and soft lighting create an intimate and vulnerable atmosphere. This highlights both his disconnect from the larger human population and his loving spirit that wishes to forge a deeper connection.

Theodore on the subway

The shot of Theodore sitting alone on the subway, wearing his earpiece, and talking to Samantha highlights the theme of technology as both a facilitator and barrier to human connection. Even though he is physically present in a public space, he is emotionally disconnected from the people around him as he engages with Samantha. His reflection showcases his human form during a conversation with something inhuman.

Theodore and Samantha at the beach

The scene where Theodore visits the beach with Samantha captures their emotional connection despite the physical limitations of their relationship. The use of handheld camera movements and natural lighting creates a sense of intimacy and authenticity, while the vastness of the beach serves as a reminder of the distance between them. Theodore is fully clothed, highlighting how he is not there to use the beach like everybody else and remains wholly disconnected from the people around him.

The surrogate date scene

The shot where the human surrogate, Isabella, enters Theodore’s apartment and tries to physically connect with him highlights the inherent limitations and complications of Theodore and Samantha’s relationship. The awkwardness and discomfort in this scene emphasize the artificial nature of their connection and the challenges of bridging the gap between human and AI experiences.

The rooftop scene with Theodore and Amy

In the final scene, Theodore and Amy sit together on the rooftop of their apartment building, gazing at the cityscape below. This shot represents a sense of hope and optimism, suggesting that genuine human connections can endure even in a world increasingly dominated by technology. The framing and composition of the shot emphasize the emotional bond between the two characters, as they find solace and comfort in each other’s presence.

What are your thoughts?

Are there more shots you think should be part of the Colossus Movie Guide for Her? Leave your thoughts below and we’ll consider adding them.