Film Review: I’m Here
The more layers I peel off the Hollywood creaky wheel, the more cynical I become. Art is an important aspect to the understanding of humans. You can go through world history and some form of art will give you a glimpse into the psyche of the world at that time. Whether it be cave sketches, oil paintings of baby Jesus, Picasso’s genius, or the modern art of Mark Ryden, the thoughts of the moment are frozen in time.
Film is art. Yet, over time, it has become overrun by businessmen trying to make a quick dollar. Art has become secondary if lucky. The focus is on brand. How can a studio sell opening weekend? How quickly can a profit be made?
Film is art. And a few directors still get that. As I mentioned a few days ago, there are still true artists in the Hollywood scene. Paul Thomas Anderson. Quentin Tarantino. Spike Jonze. I’ve mentioned them all a thousand times on this site. And it’s because they keep things exciting. Their ideas are interesting. They are taking a medium and showing us something we’ve never seen before.
After a rough 7 year stint on Where the Wild Things Are, Spike Jonze wanted to create something simple. During the editing process of WTWTA, he secretly shot the 35 minute short film, I’m Here, just to keep the creative juices flowing.
I’m Here is set in a world where robots and humans co-exist, though the former is only used for menial jobs and nothing much else. However, that’s slowly changing — robots are actually evolving — and Jonze has set his film at a time where some robots are beginning to find a purpose; a reason for existence. This might not sound like you’re cup of tea, but stick with it, I’ll guarantee it will move you.
Sweet. Heartfelt. Painful. And it’s a robot love story. The imagination and openness Jonze allows should be applauded. The acting between the robots is more realistic and more empowering than many of those I see between human actors. You’ll have a hard time debating this. The film is a sober reminder that some people lose themselves in unhealthy relationships. People are in love with the idea of love. Because of this, they fall for people (or robots) that truly are disastrous.
If you have the means to watch this film online (i.e. – computer hooked up to TV or decent monitor/internet connection to steam), do yourself and watch it here: http://www.imheremovie.com
It’s powerful in all it’s simplicity.
