Robot Dreams was nominated for Best Animated Feature at this year’s Oscars. While I don’t think it had a remote chance of winning - not with Miyazaki once again in contention - it’s nice that there’s still room for low-key, traditional animation.
Not a “kid’s movie” per se, it’s a heartfelt film with themes far more complex than the actual plot, in which a lonely dog living in New York purchases a robot companion. They bond immediately, then spend a fun-filled day together, capping it off at Coney Island. However, Robot rusts while they’re there, and Dog is unable to move it. Dog returns the next day with tools. But in the meantime, the beach has closed for the season.
Helpless to do anything, Dog leaves with the intention of returning in the spring, and the middle act depicts these two in several individual vignettes as time goes by and the seasons change. Robot dreams of reuniting with Dog, only to repeatedly awake up still alone on the beach; Dog tries and fails to establish other friendships while waiting until he and Robot are reunited.
 |
| How Skynet began. |
The film features no dialogue. The entire story - and the emotions of its two main characters - are depicted through actions and expressions, aided considerably by an affecting soundtrack (with the song, “September,” frequently juxtaposed into the score). Dog and Robot are simply illustrated and animated, which is actually part of what makes both charming, even without voices. Conversely, 80s-era New York is vividly depicted through detailed imagery and sound design.
The film does tend to meander at times and is ultimately longer than it needs to be. I think its story and themes could have been just as effective if the whole thing were about 20 minutes shorter. Still, Robot Dreams is an enjoyable journey with engaging characters, touching moments and wonderful animation.
EXTRA KIBBLES
FEATURETTES - From Reality to Animation is about how the book was adapted; Once in a Lifetime Friendship features interviews with director Pablo Berger and original author Sara Varon )among others), who discuss how the book was adapted and its story expanded; The Sound of 1980s New York is about the sound design; The Art Direction; The Animation; Soundtrack features interviews with music editor Yuki Harami and composer Alfonso De Vilallonga; A Love Letter to New York features more interviews related to recreating 80s New York; A Film without Words features voice actor Ivan Lambada.
INTERVIEW - In addition to appearing in virtually all the other featurettes, another interview with writer.director Pablo Berger is included.
THEATRICAL & TEASER TRAILERS
No comments:
Post a Comment