In Her, Scarlett Johansson is at her most captivating yet.
The way she exudes her coy sexuality is absolutely tantalizing. She possesses both vivaciousness and sensuality, making her one of the most desirable actresses in Hollywood. What’s interesting is that you never see her on screen. Scarlett Johansson plays Samantha, an operating system in the movie Her. She brings a new level of intelligence and emotional growth to technology. Theodore Twombly, played by Joaquin Phoenix, falls deeply in love with Samantha’s voice, as it is incredibly sensitive, soulful, bright, funny, and yes, sexy. It’s a nuanced performance that solidifies Johansson’s status as a talented actress.
The idea of nominating a voice performance for an Oscar may seem ridiculous, but Scarlett Johansson’s portrayal of Samantha in “Her” deserves recognition. She brings the character and love story to life with believability and humanity, without the aid of a face or body. Despite this, many voters may not even consider her for the award, as they view voice performances as “half performances.” However, ignoring this genre of acting is making the Academy seem outdated. To truly appreciate Johansson’s performance, it’s important to understand Samantha’s role as a piece of software programmed on an algorithm that allows her to form intimate connections and even feel emotions. Theo’s relationship with Samantha follows the arc of any human-human love affair, complete with giddiness, passion, and jealousy. Johansson’s soothing rasp and playful humor make Samantha a person without a body, but with a heart.
The movie Her features a unique and sensual sex scene between Samantha and Theo, which involves only their voices. The intensity of their passion is conveyed through their narrations, leaving nothing to the viewer’s imagination. This begs the question of whether an emotional connection can be just as powerful as a physical one. Scarlett Johansson delivers an incredible performance in Her using only her voice, which some believe should earn her an Oscar nomination. While this concept is not new, it has gained momentum as filmmakers use motion-capture technology to bring characters to life. As the possibilities for voice acting expand with advancements in technology, there is no doubt that Hollywood will continue to recognize “invisible” performances. Despite its emotional impact, it remains unlikely that Johansson’s performance in Her will receive an Oscar nod.
