I’m Here.

Ordinary is no place to be.

A short one, but something I wanted to write about. You can watch the short film I’m Here, here, before reading the essay below. I guess most people haven’t seen this fi, but it has always been a favourite of mine and the borrowed the title of my Substack from this gem of a movie.

The short film I'm Here by Spike Jonze explores the theme of loneliness in a world where humans and robots coexist. The film tells the story of a robot named Sheldon (the played by Andrew Garfield), who lives a monotonous life in a world where robots are treated as second-class citizens. Despite the fact that Sheldon is surrounded by other robots, he feels lonely and disconnected from the world around him. Through the character of Sheldon, the film highlights the devastating effects of loneliness and isolation on an individual's mental and emotional well-being.

At the beginning of the film, Sheldon is shown going about his daily routine with a blank expression on his face. He spends his days working at a library and his evenings watching TV alone in his apartment. The only interaction he has with others is when he's repairing other robots. Even then, he's treated like a subordinate and is expected to follow orders without question. The lack of connection and meaningful relationships in Sheldon's life is apparent from the start.

However, Sheldon's life takes a turn when he meets a female robot named Francesca (played by Sienna Guillory). Unlike Sheldon, Francesca is full of life and energy, and she brings out a sense of joy and playfulness in Sheldon that he's never experienced before. The two robots quickly develop a close bond, and Sheldon finally starts to feel like he's found someone who understands him.

The film's depiction of loneliness is both poignant and relatable. Through Sheldon's character, we see the devastating effects of living a life without meaningful connections. Despite being surrounded by other robots, Sheldon's life lacks purpose and joy until he meets Francesca. Their relationship is a powerful reminder of the importance of human connection and the positive impact it can have on our lives.

Spike Jonze's I'm Here is a thought-provoking film that highlights the effects of loneliness and isolation on an individual's mental and emotional well-being. Through Sheldon's character, the film shows us the devastating impact of living a life devoid of meaningful connections and relationships. It's a powerful reminder of the importance of human connection and the role it plays in our happiness and well-being.

Spike Jonze (born Adam Spiegel) is an American filmmaker, director, producer, and actor. He was born on October 22, 1969, in Rockville, Maryland.

Jonze began his career in the entertainment industry as a photographer and skateboard video maker. He later moved on to directing music videos, and his work has been praised for its creative and unconventional approach. He has directed videos for numerous artists, including Beastie Boys, Weezer, and Bjork.

In 1999, Jonze made his feature film directorial debut with the critically acclaimed "Being John Malkovich," for which he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Director. He has since directed other notable films, including "Adaptation," "Where the Wild Things Are," and "Her," for which he won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

Jonze has also produced a number of films and television shows, including the hit series "Jackass" and the Academy Award-nominated film "Moneyball." He has worked with some of the most talented actors in Hollywood, such as Nicolas Cage, Meryl Streep, Joaquin Phoenix, and Scarlett Johansson.

Throughout his career, Jonze has become known for his innovative and visionary approach to storytelling, as well as his unique visual style and ability to draw powerful performances from his actors. He continues to be one of the most influential and respected directors working in the industry today.