Film Review: I, Robot
Everyone’s a bit skeptical when it comes to Will Smith
Finally, the thing we all feared has come to be ...in a movie! I suppose that’s better than reality, but the thought is certainly stirring. No, I’m not talking about Will Smith’s return to the silver screen. I, Robot is the big hitter of the summer, as predicted and hyped up by film critics everywhere.
Skeptically, I regarded this movie. Everyone’s a bit skeptical when it comes to Will Smith. However, I was very pleased by the time the credits rolled. And truth be told- it’s the robot, Sonny, who really steals the show. Director, Alex Proyas, paints an efficient portrait of the future Chicago of 2035, not too distant from the present. By efficient, I mean that technology has become the mother of society with the public suckling at her bosom of convenience and instant gratitude. Everyone’s a bit skeptical when it comes to Will Smith Skeptically, I regarded this movie. Everyone’s a bit skeptical when it comes to Will Smith. However, I was very pleased by the time the credits rolled. And truth be told- it’s the robot, Sonny, who really steals the show. Director, Alex Proyas, paints an efficient portrait of the future Chicago of 2035, not too distant from the present. By efficient, I mean that technology has become the mother of society with the public suckling at her bosom of convenience and instant gratitude.
Robots are just becoming a common household appliance, pretty much being docile and willing slaves to their owners. Of course, their creators kept in mind the possibility of all those 80’s horror movies about high-tech towers that kill people in elevators shafts and the like happening, and instilled three golden rules into each and every robot: They are not to harm humans, They are not to harm themselves, and can’t allow humans to come to harm passively. But really, the important fact is that rules are made to be broken and this case was no exception.
The death of the robot-making mega corporation’s head doctor/boss/founder sets off Officer Technophobe, AKA Del Spooner (Smith), on the trail of a rogue robot that can *gasp* break the rules! After a quick yet exciting capture, Spooner and the corporation’s robot psychologist, Dr. Calvin (Bridget Moynahan), investigate the who, what, where’s and why’s of Dr. Boss/Founder’s suicide. The robot in question, Sonny, is capable of emotion and was an advanced project of his. Naturally, he’s the prime suspect. However, with a nasty turn of luck the case gets complicated when a horde of some new upgrades go loco on Spooner, and Sonny is their big clue to solving the case. So it’s an action mystery movie with random appearances by that guy from Even Stevens, Shia Lebeouf. Weird.
The movie is not without its comedy as well. There’s that sassy Will Smith charm and wit, zinging away with his one-liners. And yes, the random appearances by the guy from Even Stevens also offer a chuckle or two. The plot and events flow smoothly into each scene which never allows the viewer to bore of the film, and techno-geeks will be drooling into their jumbo super-sized popcorn buckets at the artistic landscape of the faux-future and its innovative machinery.
Based on the book by Isaac Asimov, I, Robot explores the possibility of a future in which the human race has finally won at playing God, but only for a moment before it comes crashing down like a pyramid of cards. The creation of mechanical slaves living in our homes reveals the conceit of humanity that we believe we can create life and manipulate the outcome. Such arrogance proves one of our many character flaws. The topic of free will also comes to mind. How can one possibly expect a population not to evolve and realize that, “Hey you know, I don’t think I care much for slavery after all?” however, with a surprise ending (of course) the real reason for the robot rebellion is revealed, also revealing another human fallacy that is another downer even if, but mostly because, it is true.
I, Robot serves its audience in more ways than one viewing will expose. Entertainment-wise, it’s a hit. And politically, it begs us to question the human condition underlying our daily habits. These dark undercurrents are a message that may be ahead of its time, but is most likely too late. Evolution has allowed us to dream further than our imagination will sometimes even stretch. What I believe I, Robot asks is have our dreams exceeded the peak of our benefit? And to what means is that limit?
I, ROBOT
Directed by: Alex Proyas
Cast: Will Smith, Bridget Moynahan, Bruce Greenwood, Chi McBride, Shia LeBeouf