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Jun. 21st, 2009 @ 05:21 pm (no subject)

I, ROBOT (2004)

I saw this movie the other day, when I bought it along with a few other ‘robot’ movies, like Short Circuit, AI: Artificial Intelligence, and Blade Runner. I watched it again recently. I must’ve seen this movie more than 5 times but that isn’t uncommon, me being a movie aficionado, I’m practically hooked on films. And Will Smith! Need I say more? 0=)

I can’t understand why some people can’t take this film seriously, maybe it’s cos’ it’s a “blockbuster summer flick”, but I won’t let that stop me from treating this movie as an educational experience, something that’ll provoke thoughts and is fully able to furnish me with knowledge. I will admit that the first time I saw this movie years ago, I watched it for the kicks, but I am now seeing things that are below the surface.

I will also admit that I never read the book by Asimov, but since this movie was only “suggested” by a book of his, I didn’t see it as a prerequisite for watching I, Robot.

From the word ‘go’, I saw the strength of Del Spooner’s character. A grass widower now living a bachelor’s life and haunted by nightmares from a recent traumatic experience, he’s now trying to get back on the horse again by returning to his first passion: his job. Del’s not afraid to turn down the advice of his grandma whom he loves very much, and is very sure of what he wants and doesn’t want in his life. I was convinced that I wasn’t looking at a doormat, or a spineless cop.

He’s also not afraid to show hatred and dislike for someone or something, in terms of his actions and words. It’s refreshing to watch him actually, particularly for an South-east Asian like myself. We’re always trying to be as polite and as agreeable as possible. We don’t like to go against the grain of life, or stand out from the crowd for all the ‘wrong’ reasons. To see someone who’s this confident, who’s self-assured enough to express his views and being able to live with someone else’s disapproval of his lifestyle...is unusual, to be frank. I mean, some people might see his antagonising ways as senseless and self-destructive, others might see it as his one weakness, but I don’t. And I soon find out that Dr. Lanning didn’t see it as a weakness, either.

Del’s a competent homicide detective, even though he made a mistake when he thought that a NS-4 droid was committing a misdemeanour. In truth, he’s resilient, he relies on his gut feeling, and you see him on top of his game in Dr. Lanning’s case. He starts gathering the facts of the good doctor’s death, and he searches for allies. He couldn’t find one in Robertson (but I bet he wasn’t looking for one in Nova Robotics’ CEO), but he does find an ally in Dr. Calvin…Much to her chagrin.

I should’ve known that Del’s driving would be as reckless as his behaviour around robots and humans alike, LOL. I also love how Del’s practically having a blast at Susan’s expense each time he makes fun of something that she takes so much of pride in. She in turn gets all defensive and gnashes her teeth at him. Bridget Moynahan’s gorgeous when she’s mad, the way her eyes flash, wow, woman knows how to turn the heat up in such clinical surroundings.

I didn’t like it as first, the way Del treated Susan, but the man has his reasons so I was willing to give him a break. Eventually, you’ll find out why he behaves the way that he does around Dr. Susan Calvin, the robot freak cum shrink. Who’s more of a robot herself after spending so much time around them, which didn’t endear her to Del at all.

As the movie progresses, I become more and more intrigued by the love-hate relationship that Del and Susan share. It seems like the only time we get a rise out of Susan is when Del incites her. And he never misses an opportunity to egg her on. But that’s only possible because she bites the bait. I adore seeing these two squabble, especially when they’re on the road. The dynamics of their relationship is similar to that of Booth and Brennan, from TV hit series Bones.

Susan and Sonny’s relationship is expected, she being a champion of his kind. What I’m sure she didn’t anticipate is what a novelty it was going to be to talk to a robot the same way you’d communicate with a human being. I can see that Susan is like a mother to Sonny in the same way Dr. Lanning was a father to him. No seriously, I can’t sense an attraction between these two characters, unlike the UST vibe that I picked up on in Short Circuit, between Stephanie and Number Five. The reason why I’m bringing this issue up is because I see people here on Lj shipping this pairing like there’s no tomorrow, which just leaves me stumped.

And yes, finally, we find out the reason behind Del’s automatonophobia. And yes, I’m definitely a Del/Susan shipper after that caring-and-sharing scene in his crib. The UST is just exploding all over the place, I find it extremely peculiar that they don’t act on it. And filmmakers! Augh, they’re incorrigible. I’m not even going there, yo. A long, loving look between two characters who are sexually attracted to one another does not equal to a kiss. Or them hooking up! *bangs table*

On the whole, I LOVED the story this film is telling me. It draws to a conclusion that’s realistic and believable, something that I see lacking in the Terminator series. And the characters are engaging, and you find yourself rooting for someone, whether it’s a ruthless, manipulative business tycoon who has friends in high places…or a next-gen robot who’s friendly, keeps secrets and has dreams. Or an adorkable Shia LaBeouf! But don’t take my word for it; go watch (or re-watch) it, and learn something new.

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