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Asimov's 3 Laws of Robotics:
I. A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
II. A robot must obey the orders given it by human beings, except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
III. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.
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Bicentennial Man stars Robin Williams as the android Andrew, in a story adapted from Isaac Asimov and Robert Silverberg's novel, "The Positronic Man", and Asimov's 1975 short story, "The Bicentennial Man." It also stars Wendy Crewson as Ma'am, Hallie Kate Eisenberg (the Pepsi girl) as the young Little Miss, Oliver Platt as Rupert and Embeth Davidtz in a dual role. And, of course, My Man Sam as Sir. |
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The story follows Andrew thru his delivery as a household appliance, his growth as an individual, his quest for others of his kind, to his validation as a 'person' in the eyes of the world. Along the way, he finds some friends in unusual places (Platt as Rupert) and love when he returns home. |
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Being a true Sam fan, the best part of the movie for me was the beginning. As Sir, Sam is the first to realize Andrew's uniqueness: from the expression on his face when he comes upon his 'robot' appreciating classical music, to the day he gives him his freedom.
Through the years of Sir's life, they discuss the nature of humor, watch Little Miss grow up and leave them, and forge a friendship. Sir encourages Andrew in his art, opens a bank account for him, and defends him against those who would re-program the android. |
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Near the end of the first part of the story, Andrew asks for his freedom, and Sir becomes angry. This may seem a contradiction, that Sir would encourage his individuality all those years, and then seemingly deny him the prize. I believed it to be more of a father terrified of letting his child go out into the world. Sir was able to see that his daughter grew up, but was unable to see that Andrew had.
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After Sir's deathbed scene, there's not much else. Andrew made it in time to say goodbye to Sir, then a bunch of other stuff happened. Hmmm.....Little Miss got married, Andrew went on a quest, met a dancing android, got skin and emotions and 'working parts'. Hmmm...oh yes, he came home and found Little Miss was now an elderly woman, living with her granddaughter Portia. (both parts played by Embeth Davidtz.) He falls in love with Portia, and when Little Miss then dies, he begins his attempts for validation. Portia and he marry (a mixed marriage?) and the world refuses to acknowledge it. The end of the story comes with what Sir knew all along. Like Dr. Suess said "A person's a person, no matter how small."
More Pictures:
Platt as Rupert |
the Andrew he creates |
Little Miss |
Portia |
Crewson as Ma'am |
Sir Sam |
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