Film Case Study - HER (2013) romance/sci-fi

Synopsis - Theodore Twombly, an introverted writer, buys an Artificial Intelligence system to help him write. However, when he finds out about the AI's ability to learn and adapt, he falls in love with it.

Using a film of our choice I developed a case study using the model we learned in class for the analysis of PD - called the Visual Concept methodology which works through the five key ways the script is visualized by the PD: Space, In and Out, Light, Colour, Set Decoration.

Through the strategic use of these five tools, the visual concept is conveyed. Every decision about the five elements is linked and returns to the logic of the central concept driving the design- which in the case of this film, is a sci-fi film that focuses on the human experience.

SPACE

Alternate vision for the future

K.K Barret took things away that were distracting. Like, noisy signage, traffic, the things that surround us in our current world. K.K Barret applies his minimalistic approach ("removing until the essentials have an impact") in this film. He strips away any excess and focuses on stripping away any excess and focuses on the fundamentals, which in this movie, Theodore.

Exterior

Her (2013), which was filmed in Los Angeles and Shanghai, uses the architecture of both cities to construct a world of its own - a dense version of L.A

The film also indicates that using the elevated walkway, it makes us feel that we're more comfortable pedestrians within the urban grid in the future. And that we're so well served by public transportation that he neither owns nor needs a car. The trains and subways take him everywhere, including the beach and the mountains.

Interior - Theodore's home

The focus was to bring the outside city in and push the light towards him, Theodore.

The resulting message is unmistakable: Theodore lives in the heart of a dynamic and desirable city. Though he is shy and lovelorn, his location confers an enviable status.

LIGHT

Natural/warm lighting in order to provide a sense of warmth in private spaces.

COLOUR

Overall warm with red notes which provides a sense of warmth and comfort. From the set to the wardrobe is made up mostly of reds, creating a comfortable environment for its character.

SET DECORATIONS

The film cuts back and forth in time throughout, showing us glimpses of Theodore’s former life with his wife (Rooney Mara); in contrast, The details in his apartment as a bachelor are bits from his life that haven't found a place to rest.

Theodore hasn’t unpacked all his belongings – he hasn’t completely settled into this space. Even though he’s got this big beautiful space, it’s not designed for entertaining other people because he’s really not ready for that.