Bicentennial Man (1999)

An android endeavors to become human as he gradually acquires emotions.

Director:

Chris Columbus

Writers:

Isaac Asimov (short story "The Bicentennial Man"), Isaac Asimov (novel),

Stars:

Robin Williams, Embeth Davidtz, Sam Neill

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 1 win & 6 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Robin Williams	...	Andrew Martin
Embeth Davidtz	...	Little Miss Amanda Martin / Portia Charney
Sam Neill	...	'Sir' Richard Martin
Oliver Platt	...	Rupert Burns
Kiersten Warren	...	Galatea
Wendy Crewson	...	'Ma'am' Martin
Hallie Kate Eisenberg	...	Little Miss Amanda Martin - Age 7
Lindze Letherman	...	'Miss' Grace Martin - Age 9
Angela Landis	...	'Miss' Grace Martin
John Michael Higgins	...	Bill Feingold - Martin's Lawyer
Bradley Whitford	...	Lloyd Charney
Igor Hiller	...	Lloyd Charney - Age 10
Joe Bellan	...	Robot Delivery Man #1
Brett Wagner	...	Robot Delivery Man #2
Stephen Root	...	Dennis Mansky - Head of NorthAm Robotics

Storyline

This film follows the 'life' and times of the lead character, an android who is purchased as a household robot programmed to perform menial tasks. Within a few days the Martin family realizes that they don't have an ordinary droid as Andrew begins to experience emotions and creative thought. In a story that spans two centuries, Andrew learns the intricacies of humanity while trying to stop those who created him from destroying him.

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Plot Keywords:

android | robot | actor playing multiple roles | disembodied head | robot as pathos | 

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Taglines:

One robot's 200 year journey to become an ordinary man.

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Genres:

Drama | Fantasy | Romance | Sci-Fi

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for language and some sexual content

Details

Country:

USA Germany

Language:

English

Release Date:

17 December 1999 (USA)

Also Known As:

Andrew Martin

Filming Locations:

Alameda, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$100,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

£453,512 (UK) (21 January 2000)

Gross:

$58,220,776 (USA) (26 May 2000)

Company Credits

Production Co:

1492 Pictures, Columbia Pictures Corporation, Laurence Mark Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

132 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

On 17 June 1999, crews filming in the brand new San Francisco City Hall building set off the sprinkler system, flooding hallways, causing serious damage, and angering San Francisco mayor Willie Brown.

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Goofs

During the conversation between Andrew and 'Sir' after Andrew jumped out the window, a clump of grass caught in Andrew's neck joint appears and disappears.

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Quotes

'Miss' Grace Martin - Age 9: Oh, Aaaandreeeew! Could you come up?
Andrew Martin: [at the first floor, walks to her] Yes, miss?
'Miss' Grace Martin - Age 9: Andrew, would you please open the window?
Andrew Martin: One is glad to be of service.
[He opens the window]
Andrew Martin: [turns back to Grace] A lovely breeze!
'Miss' Grace Martin - Age 9: [with an arrogant gaze] Now jump.
Andrew Martin: [jumps, jumps, jumps, jumps]
'Miss' Grace Martin - Age 9: No! Out the window!
Andrew Martin: [thus jumps out of the window]
[...]

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Connections

Referenced in A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)

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Soundtracks

"(Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You've Been Gone"
Written by Aretha Franklin and Ted White
Performed by Aretha Franklin
Courtesy of Atlantic Recording Corp.
By Arrangement with Warner Special Products

User Reviews

A good well-paced touching movie

This movie surprised me. Having been a fan of Issac Asimov for many years I thought that this adaptation with Chris Columbus at the helm would be terrible. I was wrong. Some may complain that this movie is too long and slow, but I would wager that their attention spans are somewhat lacking. If you are looking for a high action movie with robots then you have come to the wrong place. If you are looking for a sci-fi based romantic comedy about the personal growth of one man...er robot, then this is the movie. The comedy was well written and well played, appropriately placed in each moment. AS for the character of Andrew(Robin Williams), though he is supposed to be a robot you really connect with his character and sense his growth over time. Unlike A.I. his character learns and grows and has real not fabricated emotional attachments. I give this movie an 8 or 9. Very good.