What Do Androids Really Dream Of? A Look at “Robot Dreams”
While Philip K. Dick and Ridley Scott’s answers in “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” and “Blade Runner” might leave you wanting more, the new animated film “Robot Dreams” by Spanish director Pablo Berger offers a fresh perspective. Based on Sara Varon’s graphic novel of the same name, this dialogue-free film is a blend of euphoria and melancholy. It serves as a potent antidote to formulaic Pixar fare, evoking memories of “Blade Runner” and Spike Jonze’s “Her,” while charting its own course through the landscape of memory, where laughter and tears coexist in perfect harmony.
Frame from the animated film “Robot Dreams”
A Nostalgic and Lonely New York
The film recreates 1980s New York, but populated by anthropomorphic animals living their own lives. The bustling city amplifies the feeling of loneliness. Dog, living in an apartment labeled “Dog,” heats up ready-made meals for dinner and longs for companionship. He impulsively orders a Robot friend, one of the latest gadgets. After struggling with the instructions and shooing away curious pigeons, Dog assembles his own personal “Iron Giant.”
A Budding Friendship
The pair enjoys everyday activities – from eating hot dogs to dancing in the park on roller skates to Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September,” watching sunsets over the Brooklyn Bridge, and sunbathing at the beach. However, their beach outing turns disastrous. The robot malfunctions due to water and sun exposure, becoming immobile. As summer ends and the beach closes for the season, Dog loses his friend as quickly as he found him.
Frame from the animated film “Robot Dreams”
A Film of Empathy
“Robot Dreams” premiered at Cannes, surprisingly out of competition. While Berger’s style might seem simplistic at first glance (2D animation), the world is rich in detail, all contributing to a rare display of empathy. Depressed without his friend, Dog resorts to frozen dinners, searches for Robot on Halloween night, and endures nightmares reminiscent of “The Big Lebowski” and “A Nightmare on Elm Street.” He even tries to find friends at ski resorts, but to no avail. When will June 1st arrive?
Frame from the animated film “Robot Dreams”
The Robot’s Awakening
Despite his drained battery, Robot gains the ability to experience human emotions. The filmmakers give him autonomy, highlighting the internal void and universal loneliness that was previously exclusive to Dog. The frozen robot plunges into expressive dreams that blend into reality, some cruel, others magical. Gradually, Robot transforms from an object into a subject, even in his paralyzed state.
A Healing and Thought-Provoking Experience
For 100 minutes, “Robot Dreams” captivates and heals, offering a rare non-verbal experience fueled by emotional impact and a mature exploration of relationships. Berger suggests that separation, however tragic, can have a cumulative, restorative effect. The film is a refreshing work of art that transcends animation, using it as a versatile medium. Dog and Robot’s relationship can be compared to Mia and Sebastian from “La La Land” – their separation is heartbreaking, yet their story is unforgettable. The message is clear: keep moving forward.