Review of Robot & Frank (2012) by Dawdlingpoet — 22 Nov 2021

This is a dark comedy film with crime elements and a science fiction element. It covers themes including independence, trust, manipulation, loneliness and companionship. I felt the plot was quite poignant in that it explores issues that will affect many people - social care is a big concern these days, with an aging population and I admit I've always been interested in films about robots, since I was a child and was captivated by the 'Short Circuit' films. I still find it hard to believe that robots such as the one depicted in this film, are feasible but perhaps that isn't relevant. I found it somehow spooky watching how the future was depicted (of course I presume the film to be set in the future, although not too far in the distant future as I judge it) with more voice activated functions around the house and the like. I found the relationship between Frank and the robot to be quite endearing, which is a bit of a feat given how, obviously, inanimate a robot is but the way said robot is seen to learn, the way he talks, interacts and so on did make it seem somehow partially human - I suppose its partly down to the human like postures, the tone of voice present in its speech patterns, some of the dialogue it gives and so on. I found myself feeling a little sceptical about how the plot developed, elements of it, although I won't go in to any specific detail so as not to spoil the film for potential viewers. Its one of those films that makes you think about how much we rely on technology to allow us to communicate with others, what a heavy reliance we have on it to stay 'connected' and of course it means that every day things can be done without facing people on a face to face basis, which is a shame. There's definitely a sense of loss on a wider societal scale which is, if but lightly, hinted at in this film and its something I feel is true to life, in regards to current Western society.

Cast wise, Frank Langella plays the main character, Frank. He comes across as somewhat curmudgeonly, stubborn and sceptical about how the world is becoming so reliant on technology. He seems cold although as the plot develops, we see different sides of him and he becomes a more likeable character, or I thought so anyway. I felt that he looked somewhat nervous and perhaps potentially frightened at the start by the idea of being lumbered with a robotical assistant type, although he clearly doesn't want that to show too obviously to others. The robot is voiced by Peter Sarsgaard - I felt that the voice, which was quite artificial and clearly non-human but still showed elements of emotion, of attachment towards Frank, was good in that it made me wonder quite how human it could be truly thought of as being. Its the mix of artificial robotic elements and cultural, human, emotional elements that definitely interested me - I know that people talk of AI (artificial intelligence) and how moral it can ever really be. I don't know the ultimate answer to that but I felt the character was well portrayed and developed. Other, human, characters include the local librarian, Jennifer played by Susan Sarandon - she seems quite a like minded person, who could be said to wear rose tinted glasses. Other cast members include James Marsdon, who plays Franks son, Hunter, plus Liv Tyler as Madison.

Its hard to quite put my finger on precisely what was so good about this particular take on the futuristic robotical film type but I certainly did enjoy it. I suppose its the characters, cast and the dialogue that work well together to bring a surprisingly realistic depiction of something that does make you wonder what we will rely on, or use, to help older people who become vulnerable and disorientated, plus what issues may arise. I should also point out that while the film does definitely touch on some very relevant and important issues, as I've mentioned, it is a dark comedy film and there were scenes which made me smile - I like that Franks spirit seemed quite determined to make what he'd been given work for him, so I should say that its not entirely serious and its certainly not a documentary type of film. It is certainly poignant, as a film but it also left me feeling quite smug in a sense, due to the plot developments, how Frank could be said to manipulate his robot to an extent and what happens as a result.

Yes, I'd definitely recommend this film. I felt it was poignant, thought provoking and certainly quite amusing as well. It featured good performances and has some witty dialogue.