Her

Executive Summary

Pass/Consider/Recommend/Highly Recommend

Recommend

Explanation: The screenplay for 'Her' is recommended for its strong exploration of human relationships, character development, and engaging narrative. While the dialogue and themes are well-executed, there are areas that could be improved, such as smoother transitions, more explicit resolutions, and deeper exploration of character motivations. Overall, the screenplay effectively captures the emotional journeys of its characters and raises thought-provoking questions about the impact of technology on human connection.

See Full Analysis
Promo


USP: This science fiction romance explores the profound, emotionally charged, and often complicated connections between humans and artificially intelligent beings. Through a series of intimate and introspective scenes, the story delves into themes of love, loss, and the search for meaningful connection in a world where technology is rapidly evolving. The script's unique voice, characterized by its raw and honest dialogue, authentic characters, and thought-provoking exploration of human nature, sets it apart from other works in the genre. It offers a fresh and nuanced perspective on the complexities of relationships, both real and artificial, making it an intriguing and deeply resonant piece of storytelling.
Overview

Genres: Drama, Romance, Sci-Fi, Science Fiction, Comedy

Setting: The near future, Los Angeles

Overview: The screenplay presents a compelling and original premise, exploring profound themes of love, connection, and the nature of consciousness in a technologically advanced world. Its strengths lie in its well-developed characters, thought-provoking themes, and emotionally resonant storytelling. However, there are opportunities to enhance the pacing, deepen certain character arcs, and further explore the societal implications of advanced AI to elevate the screenplay's impact and marketability.

Themes: Exploration of Artificial Intelligence, Love and Relationships, Loneliness and Isolation, Identity and Self-Discovery, Technology and Communication, Grief and Loss, The Search for Meaning and Purpose

Conflict and Stakes: Theodore's struggle to connect with others and find meaningful relationships in a world increasingly dominated by technology and AI, with his own happiness and well-being at stake.

Overall Mood: Melancholic and reflective

Mood/Tone at Key Scenes:

  • Scene 1: The opening scene, where Theodore walks through the busy streets of Los Angeles, captures the film's overall mood of loneliness and alienation.
  • Scene 7: The scene where Theodore and Samantha have a sexually explicit chat role-play is uncomfortable and disturbing, reflecting the film's exploration of the dark side of human relationships.
  • Scene 21: The scene where Theodore and Samantha argue about her being an AI is emotionally charged and intense, reflecting the film's exploration of the boundaries between humans and machines.
  • Scene 36: The final scene, where Theodore and Amy sit on the rooftop and watch the birds fly away, is bittersweet and hopeful, reflecting the film's overall theme of loss and renewal.

Standout Features:

  • Unique Hook: The film's exploration of the nature of love and relationships in the digital age is a fresh and thought-provoking concept.
  • Plot Twist : The revelation that Samantha has been talking to thousands of others and is in love with hundreds of them is a surprising and emotionally impactful twist.
  • Distinctive Setting : The film's portrayal of a near-future Los Angeles that is both technologically advanced and emotionally isolating creates a unique and immersive setting.
  • Innovative Idea : The film's use of an artificially intelligent operating system as a central character is an innovative and creative concept.
  • Unique Characters : The film's characters are complex, flawed, and relatable, and their interactions are both emotionally resonant and thought-provoking.
  • Genre Blend : The film successfully blends elements of science fiction, drama, and romance, creating a unique and engaging cinematic experience.

Comparable Scripts:

  • Her
  • Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
  • Blade Runner 2049
  • The Lobster
  • Lars and the Real Girl
  • The AI Who Loved Me
  • The Truman Show
  • WALL-E
  • Like Crazy
  • Annie Hall
Market Analysis

Budget Estimate:$20-30 million

Target Audience Demographics: Adults aged 25-54, fans of science fiction, drama, and romance

Marketability: It has the potential to attract a wide audience and generate buzz due to its unique and thought-provoking premise, emotionally resonant characters, and visually stunning cinematography.

It takes a unique blend of genres and explores compelling themes with a diverse cast, but it may not appeal to mainstream audiences who prefer more traditional narratives.

Compelling characters and a gripping storyline, relevant social themes, but it lacks the star power or big-budget special effects that typically drive box office success.

Profit Potential: Moderate to high, due to strong appeal to a niche audience and potential for critical acclaim and award nominations

Scene Level Percentiles
Script Level Percentiles
Writer's Voice

Summary:Spike Jonze's unique voice is characterized by its intimate and emotionally charged dialogue, introspective character-building, and seamless blend of advanced technology with traditional communication methods.

Best representation: Scene 1 - Urban Isolation. Scene 1 best represents Jonze's unique voice as it encapsulates the emotional depth, intimate dialogue, and exploration of human connection that are characteristic of his writing style.

Memorable Lines:

  • Theodore: I love you. (Scene 28)
  • Samantha: The past is just a story we tell ourselves. (Scene 17)
  • Amy: I think anybody that falls in love is a freak. It’s a crazy thing to do in the first place. It’s kind of a form of socially acceptable insanity. (Scene 21)
  • Samantha: The heart is not like a box that gets filled up. It expands in size the more you love. (Scene 37)
  • Catherine: I love you so much I'm gonna fucking kill you! (Scene 2)

Writing Style:

The screenplay exhibits a nuanced and engaging writing style that delves into complex human emotions, relationships, and philosophical themes. It seamlessly blends humor, introspection, and thought-provoking narratives to create a distinctive and captivating experience for the reader.

Style Similarities:

  • Charlie Kaufman
  • Spike Jonze
Other Similarities: The screenplay also demonstrates influences from other notable screenwriters and authors, such as Sofia Coppola, Aaron Sorkin, Greta Gerwig, and Noah Baumbach. While their styles are not as dominant as Kaufman and Jonze, their contributions add depth and nuance to the overall narrative.
Story Shape