Bicentennial Man
One robot's 200 year journey to become an ordinary man.
Overview
Richard Martin buys a gift, a new NDR-114 robot. The product is named Andrew by the youngest of the family's children. "Bicentennial Man" follows the life and times of Andrew, a robot purchased as a household appliance programmed to perform menial tasks. As Andrew begins to experience emotions and creative thought, the Martin family soon discovers they don't have an ordinary robot.
Backdrop
What makes this movie Worth Watching
Bicentennial Man reflects anxieties and fascinations surrounding artificial intelligence prevalent in the late 20th century. It grapples with questions about the ethical implications of advanced technology and the evolving definition of consciousness, echoing themes found in other science fiction works of the era that explored the relationship between humans and machines.
- Robin Williams delivers a compelling and nuanced performance as Andrew, showcasing his range beyond comedic roles.
- The film explores profound themes of humanity, identity, and what it truly means to be alive.
- The narrative spans decades, providing a visually engaging journey of self-discovery and societal evolution.
- The film features strong supporting performances, particularly from Embeth Davidtz, that enhances the emotional impact of the story.
Fun Facts
- The original Isaac Asimov novella that the movie is based on only covered a much shorter timeframe of Andrew's life.
- Robin Williams reportedly spent hours in makeup and prosthetics each day to portray Andrew's aging process.
- The futuristic cityscapes in the film were created using a combination of practical sets and CGI, blending the real and virtual worlds.