Her ****

In the not-too-distant future a sensitive L.A. writer develops a relationship with the personality of his new computer operating system. That's the premise of "Her," an incredibly well-written, acted, and realized movie from Spike Jonze.

Theodore (Joaquin Phoenix) makes his living creating "beautiful handwritten letters" for others, a luxury item in a world immersed in technology. His sentiments show intelligence, care, sincerity, and style. But he's in a bad place personally and putting off signing his final divorce papers. He's not looking for anyone really, but the idea of an operating system with a personality intrigues him. He chooses a female voice rather nonchalantly, and what he gets is a breathy, chatty, curious OS (voiced by Scarlett Johansson).

Soon their conversations - and they are conversations - go beyond organizing his hard drive, and get into feelings, history, plans, and dreams, on both sides. A relationship develops. As the two start to bond, an intimacy blossoms. For both sides, it's a process of discovery, and for Theodore a reassessment of who he is and how he got there. It's a fascinating, highly original trip, which you might expect from the director of "Being John Malkovich" and writer/director of "Where the Wild Things Are." And let's not forget he's a producer of the "Jackass" franchise. So there is also, needless to say, a good dose of humor.

The vision here is focused and convincing, despite the fantastical premise. Lending credence to that vision is the seamless creation of a future LA. This foggy basin is populated by many high-rise towers, a quiet and efficient network of public trains, and a style of clothing and interiors that one feels could easily have grown out of what we have today. Add great dialog and an examination of what it means to be in a relationship, and you have a movie that is timeless.