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 | breaking a figurine | goofball | gender in title | slapstick comedy | 

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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

Robin Williams later provided a voice in "A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)," which was also about a robot who wanted to be human.

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Goofs

Level of beer in glass when Rupert is telling Andrew about being able to taste.

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Quotes

Andrew Martin: Sir, is everything all right?
Sir: Umm. They've both gone now, Andrew. Well, things change, things always change. People move on. It's as it should be. But, what I realized today is that I'll never stop missing them.
Andrew Martin: Sir? One is still here.
Sir: And one is glad of that Andrew. Thank you.

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Alternate Versions

In the TV channel for the UK certain lines and particular scene is cut. The line where Andrew mentions about breasts is cut along with the scene where he says can you fix this piece of s..t. The scene that was shortened was the part where Rupert and Andrew were talking about sex.

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Connections

References The Wizard of Oz (1939)

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Soundtracks

Dolly Suite
Written by Gabriel Fauré (as G. Faure)

User Reviews

A beautifully Innocent Film

Firstly, i have not read Asimov's book and therefore cannot remark on any errors in translation from book to film.

I have read many of the comments posted here on the IMDb, but fail to see why so many people feel the need to mention that the world is perceived as perfect in the the future, maybe it is, maybe it isn't, the fact is, it's not important. This movie quite simply follows the life of a man trapped in a robots body and his quest to be accepted in the world, and be allowed to love and cherish the people close to him.

I have to say that i didn't expect much from this movie, i thought it would be a kids film, full of typical Robin Williams style laughs, i was way off in my assumption. This is probably Robin Williams's best performance and it is a very emotional journey through change and development of the human condition.

Overall the film is quite amusing, very touching and is full of realistic characters all very well cast to not overshadow 'Andrew' as he quests over 200 years for acceptance.

A great movie 9/10

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