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 2 wins & 7 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Robin Williams	...	Andrew
Embeth Davidtz	...	Little Miss / Portia
Sam Neill	...	Sir
Oliver Platt	...	Rupert Burns
Kiersten Warren	...	Galatea
Wendy Crewson	...	Ma'am
Hallie Eisenberg	...	Little Miss - 7 Yrs. Old (as Hallie Kate Eisenberg)
Lindze Letherman	...	Miss - 9 Yrs. Old
Angela Landis	...	Miss
John Michael Higgins	...	Bill Feingold
Bradley Whitford	...	Lloyd
Igor Hiller	...	Lloyd - 10 Yrs. Old
Joe Bellan	...	Robot Delivery Man
Brett Wagner	...	Robot Delivery Man
Stephen Root	...	Dennis Mansky

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:

robot | hologram | freedom | breaking a figurine | goofball | 

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Taglines:

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

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Sci-Fi

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for language and some sexual content

Did You Know?

Trivia

This was originally planned with Tom Hanks starring and Wolfgang Petersen directing.

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Goofs

When Andrew goes to Lloyd to sue for information as to the whereabouts of his robot counterparts, Lloyd states "the Freedom of Information Act does not cover suits by robots.". There is nothing in the act that states that it is exclusively for humans.

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Quotes

Andrew Martin: [stomach growls] What was that?
Portia: That's your stomach growling. You're hungry.
[flatulence]
Andrew Martin: Was that me?
Portia: Yes.
Andrew Martin: I thought it was you.
Portia: No, it wasn't me.
Andrew Martin: Really? Ooh. Do you do that?
Portia: Sometimes... but quieter than that.
Andrew Martin: I'll have to have Rupert make me a muffler.

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Alternate Versions

In America Touchstone Pictures logo is used first and then Columbia Pictures. In the UK and Ireland its switched the other way around.

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Connections

Referenced in Adam Savage's Tested VR: Behind the Scenes of Weta Workshop's 'I Am Mother' (2019)

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Soundtracks

Muskrat Ramble
Written by Kid Ory (as Edward Ory), Ray Gilbert

User Reviews

A fable, beyond the myth of HAL 2000 -- a film for mature consumption and appreciation

Isaac Asimov, scientist, anthropologist, and philosopher all in one, thought of this Robotic subject beyond the mere joy of fantastic possibilities of computer technology -- it's a more encompassing inquiry to what if a Robot thinks, feels, loves, and yes, wants to be accepted as a human, the imperfections and all!

This Chris Columbus directed movie, with the ever-eloquent Robin Williams, and radiant double deliveries (two character portrayals) by Embeth Davidtz, is not the usual Robin Williams comedy fare. It's not "Flubber" or "Mrs. Doubtfire"; it's a philosophical fable at best. It's the reverse of John Boorman's "Zardoz" (1973), where man wanting to be eternally youthful -- here, Robot Andrew (Robin Williams) does not want to be immortal. He wants to experience and feel life, and with a beloved human companion.

This Robotic journey spanning decades, gives us life lessons, prompts us to think reflectively on questions of life and living, growing old and resignation to death. The point filtered through Portia (Embeth Davidtz) that being human is to risk and make mistakes/wrong decisions, hearkens to a quote by John Cage: "Computers are always right, but life isn't about being right."

Film score is by James Horner ("Legends of the Fall", "Braveheart", "Titanic"). Location shots include San Francisco landmarks with added air transport images (likened to "The Fifth Element") in a futuristic sky. There are no explosive actions or flying bullets, it's an immortal tale about the acceptance of being a mortal human.

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 USA:

$8,234,926, 19 December 1999

Gross USA:

$58,223,861

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$87,423,861

Company Credits

Production Co:

1492 Pictures, Columbia Pictures, Laurence Mark Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

132 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1