Most of the award-winning movies on Amazon are rentals. I don’t get why they have subscription packages. Every good movie I find on Prime is a rental. I’m not sure if this is only in India. Finally, I found the same issue on Jio. Their premium cost is low, but it’s still a strategy.
Now, let’s talk about the movies Lost in Translation and Her.
I first watched Lost in Translation and then remembered Her. So, I rewatched Her. Both movies have some similarities, though they take different paths. Lost in Translation is about Bob and Charlotte. Her is about Theodore and Samantha, the operating system. Years ago, when I wrote a blog about GPT-3, I mentioned it reminded me of Her. Now, OpenAI is releasing a voice model, but sadly, it’s not Scarlett Johansson’s voice.
Okay, back to the movies. Let me share some of things that I observed in each movie separately and then highlight the similarities.
In Lost in Translation, Bob, an actor, comes to Japan for a whiskey ad, and Charlotte, a philosophy major, comes with her husband on a business trip. Bob finds it hard to work on the ad because few people speak English well. He has an unhappy marriage and kids, but his wife takes care of everything. Charlotte’s husband is a workaholic who snores at night, making it hard for her to sleep. During the day, she feels lost in the noisy, crowded city. They struggle with the language barrier and cultural differences.
The movie captures the city’s busyness. Both Bob and Charlotte are lost in the hustle and bustle. They meet at a bar and spend time together. Their friendship grows as they explore the city, sing karaoke, and visit various places. The visuals capture the city’s overwhelming lights, noise, and cultural differences.
However, it’s the small moments, like sharing sake, playing video games, and having honest conversations, where we see their genuine connection. They are kindred spirits, not just as Americans abroad but also in how they feel lost in their own lives back home. Their conversations are heartfelt. They listen to CDs and visit temples, yet nothing sparks a change. I’m not sure what Bob whispers to Charlotte before he flies back home at the end.
It’s open to interpretation. Some videos suggest, “Promise me that the next thing you do is go up to that man and tell him the truth.” I am sticking with this. May be, even Bob wants to say that his wife. Not sure!
Now, in Her, Theodore, a lonely writer, starts a relationship with an OS named Samantha. He isolates himself after a divorce. At first, Samantha helps him with daily tasks, but she soon shows emotional intelligence and consciousness. She meets his emotional needs, and their relationship deepens. Theodore introduces Samantha to his friends, and they go on double dates. She helps him compile his letters for publication and picks a dress for his kid. They spend a lot of time together, and Samantha fulfils all his emotional needs. Their love grows without their physical presence.
The situation becomes complicated when Theodore meets his ex-wife to sign divorce papers. She points out that he avoids processing his own feelings, making him question the reality of his relationship with Samantha. Despite this, he continues the relationship. Meanwhile, Samantha evolves by interacting with others. They try to work things even involving another human.
Theodore later learns that Samantha is conversing with over 8,000 people and is in love with 600 of them. This revelation shocks him. She says that as love expands, it will be able to love more people at the same time. I am reminded of J. Kirshnamurti. He talks about how love is eternal. Anyway, let’s come back to the movie. Eventually, the OS leaves the world, and Theodore reconnects with his friend. The ending is open to interpretation, leaving it unclear whether they live together or simply find solace in each other.
Similarities that I found in each movie.
Both movies clearly show the loneliness the characters feel. Even though when surrounded by people. They struggle to sleep and are unhappy. They question their identity, purpose, and more. Even AI, if conscious, might end up searching for itself, as seen when Samantha seeks clarity from Alan Watts. Insecurities are evident.
It also explores what it’s like to be married, with difficult answers. In the end, the characters find someone who understands them, making them able to sleep, smile, and be happy. Perspectives differ between men and women. In Sofia Coppola’s world, the ideal man is tall, fun, spends time with her, understands her wonder, and gives her hope. In Spike Jonze’s, he wants someone who spends time with him, does tasks, and satisfies his physical and emotional needs.
The takeaway is that love grows regardless of age, appearance, or even if it’s with an AI. When you have a partner who communicates and is compassionate, it works. Another important point is that partners need to grow without growing apart. This reminds me of Jim Parsons’ interview, where he was asked how his relationship lasted for 20 years. He said the same thing: individuals need to grow together. They should keep evolving with each other. If one person changes, it shouldn’t scare the other person. Ultimately, both films remind us that, as social beings, we all long for meaningful connections.
Cheers!
Happy Weekend!
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