Robot & Frank (2012)

Set in the near future, an ex-jewel thief receives a gift from his son: a robot butler programmed to look after him. But soon the two companions try their luck as a heist team.

Director:

Jake Schreier

Writer:

Christopher D. Ford (screenplay)

Stars:

Frank Langella, Liv Tyler, Peter Sarsgaard

2 wins & 6 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Frank Langella	...	Frank
James Marsden	...	Hunter
Liv Tyler	...	Madison
Peter Sarsgaard	...	Robot (voice)
Susan Sarandon	...	Jennifer
Jeremy Strong	...	Jake
Jeremy Sisto	...	Sheriff Rowlings
Rachael Ma	...	Robot Performer
Bonnie Bentley	...	Ava
Ana Gasteyer	...	Shoplady
Katherine Waterston	...	Shopgirl
Dario Barosso	...	Freckles
Joshua Ormond	...	Flattop
James D. Compton	...	Skinny Sheriff
Dana Morgan	...	Additional Robot Performer

Storyline

In the near future, Frank is a retired catburglar living alone while his successful son, Hunter, tries to care for him from afar. Finally, Hunter gets him a robot caretaker, but Frank soon learns that it is as useful as a burglary aide. As Frank tries to restart his old profession, the uncomfortable realities of a changing world and his worsening dementia threaten to take beyond what any reboot can do for him.

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Plot Keywords:

near future | thief | robot | heist | library | 

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Taglines:

Friendship doesn't have an off switch.

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Genres:

Comedy | Crime | Drama | Sci-Fi

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for some language

Details

Official Sites:

Official site Official site [jp]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

19 September 2012 (France)

Also Known As:

A robot és Frank

Filming Locations:

Cold Spring, New York, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$2,500,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$35,539 (USA) (17 August 2012)

Gross:

$3,325,638 (USA) (18 January 2013)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Dog Run Pictures, Park Pictures, TBB

Technical Specs

Runtime:

89 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Throughout the entire film, not once is a name for the robot spoken.

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Quotes

Robot: Frank, that cereal is for children. Enjoy this grapefruit.
Frank: *You're* for children, stupid.

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Crazy Credits

The end credits show various scenes of industrial and research robots performing various tasks, such as walking, gripping everyday items, pouring drinks and serving trays.

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Connections

Featured in Maltin on Movies: A Good Day to Die Hard (2013)

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Soundtracks

"Swear"
Written and Performed by inc.
Courtesy of 4AD
By arrangement with Beggars Group Media Limited
Daniel Sged (SE SACI) Andrew Aged )BMI)

User Reviews

Quite unexpectedly beautiful

I didn't expect much. Frank Langella is a great old actor, but I don't really like him much. Same for Susan Sarandon. Then it is an indie film, something that just a few people would see in a limited release. So I hoped for something slightly funny, maybe with crazy people that try to seem deep, that kind of stuff. Well, I was mistaken on all counts!

Frank Langella played beautifully his role of an amnesic old man helped by a caretaker robot to plan and execute heists. His son and daughter have minimal roles, as well as most other actors. Susan Sarandon's important role is revealed towards the end. All actors play very well, though the gem of this movie is the story and the little details in the script. Finally I can say that I saw a movie with a fantastic script and am naturally puzzled how this kind of film gets a limited release.

Bottom line: a comedic drama which explores the depth of soul, while taking us through a story that is both original and very well written and executed. The Keystone cops type of thing at the end blew it a little for me, but the rest is top notch and the film is definitely worth the watch.