Bicentennial Man (film)

Bicentennial man film poster

Bicentennial Man is a 1999 American science fiction drama film directed by Chris Columbus. It is based on the novella The Bicentennial Man by Isaac Asimov and the short story "The Positronic Man" by Asimov and Robert Silverberg. The film stars Robin Williams in the title role, with supporting performances from Sam Neill, Embeth Davidtz, Wendy Crewson, and Oliver Platt. Bicentennial Man explores themes of humanity, freedom, love, and mortality through the story of Andrew, a robot who desires to become human over the course of two hundred years.

Plot

The film follows Andrew (Robin Williams), a NDR series robot originally purchased as a household appliance by the Martin family. Unlike other robots, Andrew possesses a unique trait of creativity and emotional sensitivity. Recognizing his exceptional qualities, the family patriarch, Richard Martin (Sam Neill), encourages Andrew's education and personal development. As decades pass, Andrew embarks on a journey to transform himself into a human being, seeking legal recognition of his humanity, undergoing operations to add human-like features, and developing relationships that challenge the boundaries between human and machine.

Cast

• Robin Williams as Andrew Martin
• Sam Neill as Richard Martin
• Embeth Davidtz as Little Miss / Portia
• Wendy Crewson as Ma'am (Ma'am Martin)
• Oliver Platt as Rupert Burns
• Kiersten Warren as Galatea

Production

Directed by Chris Columbus, Bicentennial Man was produced by 1492 Pictures and distributed by Columbia Pictures. The screenplay was adapted by Nicholas Kazan from the original works of Isaac Asimov and Robert Silverberg. The film's production involved significant challenges in creating a believable robot protagonist that audiences could empathize with, requiring advanced special effects and makeup techniques to transform Robin Williams into Andrew.

Themes

Bicentennial Man delves into profound themes such as the essence of humanity, the quest for identity, and the desire for equality and recognition. Andrew's journey from a mechanical being to a human-like entity raises questions about what it means to be human, exploring the emotional and ethical implications of artificial intelligence and robotics.

Reception

Upon its release, Bicentennial Man received mixed reviews from critics. While Robin Williams' performance was praised for its depth and sensitivity, the film was criticized for its handling of the source material and its sentimental tone. Despite the mixed critical reception, the film has garnered a cult following over the years, appreciated for its heartfelt storytelling and exploration of humanistic themes.

Legacy

Bicentennial Man contributes to the ongoing discourse on artificial intelligence and the human condition, echoing Asimov's concerns about the ethical and moral implications of advanced technology. The film's exploration of what it means to live and love continues to resonate with audiences, making it a notable entry in the science fiction genre.