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

"Disney" asked that the budget be cut by approximately $20 million, and when the film was released on Christmas Day, it flopped at the box office. Robin Williams blamed "Disney's" marketing, and the loss of content the film suffered because of the budget cuts. As a result, he fell out with "Disney" again.

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Goofs

Andrew states the 3 laws of robotics, of which the third says that a robot must not harm himself. Nevertheless, when he is commanded to jump out of the window, he does so.

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Quotes

Little Miss: I have a friend who is very special to me. He's sweet and exceptionally intelligent, but, well - he's not really a - I mean, a relationship between us would be impossible. It would never, could never, work out.

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Alternate Versions

At the end of the film, the in-credit notice for Buena Vista Pictures Distribution and the Touchstone Pictures closing logo is shown only in North America prints, while the Columbia Pictures closing print logo is shown in the international prints.

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Connections

Referenced in Nostalgia Critic Real Thoughts: Patch Adams (2016)

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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

Excellent movie, poor marketing

'Bicentennial Man' is set in the very near future. The current 'in thing' is to have a robot that does tasks such as housework and cooking. The Martin family have just got their own robot, and decide to call him Andrew. It seems as if the Father is the only one that really likes having Andrew around, one child is scared of it, the other hates it. And the Mother seems very uncomfortable with Andrew around. One night the oldest daughter causes Andrew to brake himself. And from then on Andrew shows signs of intelligence. Is this machine capable of intelligence and human emotions?

Andrew quickly becomes apart of the family. Bonding mostly with the Father ('Sir') and the youngest daughter ("Little Miss').

The film follows the 'life' of Andrew and the humans around him. The family grow up and get older, but Andrew of course stays the same. The first time jump is amazing.

I must mention the make-up, costumes and the sets. As the film is set over a long time period the humans age. And what a job the make-up artists did! Sometimes you feel as if the movie was made over a long period of time and the actors aged naturally! As the film is set in the future the clothes have changed slighty from the present. Most of the clothes aren't that typical future clothing stereotype of white or silver jump suits (thank goodness!). The clothes look futuristic without being over the top. The sets are a real treat later in the movie. I especially liked the set in the last scene. Somehow it feels like something Kubrick would do. The special effects are also wonderful. Look out for some American icons spruced up in the future. Amazing!

I felt this movie was rather poorly marketed. It seems as if it was being sold as a comedy and a children's movie. Firstly, while there are a lot of funny moments I wouldn't really call it a comedy. And it doesn't seem like a kids movie either. I was also surprised to hear the "s" word used a few times.

The film starts of a little slow, but give it a chance, it gets better with time. I particularly enjoyed Robin Williams performance, although everyone put in a good job.

If I have a complaint it would be the portrayal of the oldest daughter. It felt to me like a very stereotypical 'brat' character. Also the character of Portia seemed to change to quickly.

8/10

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