Released on December 17, 1999, by Touchstone Pictures, the movie 'Bicentennial Man', directed by Chris Columbus and featuring Robin Williams, is a science fiction drama based on a story by Isaac Asimov. Despite being controversial among audiences, this film garnered a global income of $87 million and secured an Oscar nomination for its makeup and hairstyling.
The concept of 'Bicentennial Man' is a unique spin on the classic Frankenstein narrative, where the creation, a robot, aims to transform into a human being. Intended to celebrate the marvels of humanity, the movie ironically showcases its human characters exceedingly mechanical, failing to introduce any enchantment.
Playing a robot aspiring to be a man, Robin Williams was able to amass enough viewership for a robust opening week. Nevertheless, the film, balancing between popular sci-fi and dull social commentary, likely disenfranchised his established fans and bored viewers who appreciated Williams' more serious roles.
The film's primary shortcoming lies in the absence of any tangible conflict across over two centuries of existence of the robot 'Andrew' and his life with the affluent San Francisco family who owns him. Andrew's journey to becoming human never encounters any hurdle. In the process, the character of Embeth Davidtz undergoes numerous shabby makeup alterations, portraying several generations of women in the family, all bizarrely attracted to their robotic 'household appliance.'
The screenplay by Nicholas Kazan, derived from Asimov's story and the novel 'The Positronic Man,' by Asimov and Robert Silverberg, fails to invoke excitement or originality about the future. When William's robotic character gradually turns more human, the surroundings grow increasingly bleak. Despite aiming to be a feel-good movie, 'Bicentennial Man' falls short of pushing the right emotional buttons.
The movie does not succeed as a work of science fiction. It showcases half-hearted romance and dwells too much on its imprudent premise. Although adding seven producers to their credits, the movie lacked a clear vision of its genre. Rather than exploring the potential for a lively film within it, 'Bicentennial Man' offered sappy sentiments.
