Robot dreams is a dialogue-free tragicomedy set in 1980s manhattan, New York, following the bond between a dog and a robot. This is my recap and Review of this amazing dialogue-fee film!
- Director: Pablo Berger
- Based on: Comic by Sara Varon
- Production Companies: Arcadia Motion Pictures, Noodles Production, Les Films du Warso, RtVE, Moviestar Plus+
- Release Dates: May 21, 2023 (Cannes), December 6, 2023 (Spain), December 27, 2023 (France)
- Running Time: 102 minutes
The 2023 Annie Awards Winner
Robot Dreams takes home the top prize as the winner of the 2023 Annie Awards for Best Independent Feature!
Checkout the other films that were nominated for the Annie Awards 2023 Best Independent Feature.
The Plot
Dog, living a lonely life in 1980s Manhattan, notices an ad for a robot and quickly and eagerly calls in an order. After building the robot, the two connect immediately.
Fun and memorable moments ensue, involving walks in the bustling city of New York, listening to a drumming octopus in the train station, and roller skating in Central Park during the golden era of disco. They dance together to the 1978 hit song ‘September’ by Maurice White, which plays in different variations throughout the movie.
Tragedy strikes as Robot lays down after a swim in the ocean. Dog realizes that Robot is in trouble and has run out of oil, causing Robot to be immobile. Despite his efforts, Dog is unable to move Robot to safety and encounters hurdle after hurdle trying to rescue him as the beach is closed for winter.
The two spend the winter and spring separated, living their lives despite the events that occurred. The plot illustrates the power of friendship and resilience through hard times.
The Director
In an interview with Director, Pablo Berger, conducted by Jonas Poher Rasmussen, the two discussed the themes of the film, which include friendships, loneliness, and letting go. Pablo was inspired to make the film after reading the graphic novel of the same name written by Sara Varon.
During the interview, Pablo explained that he had always been interested in wordless graphic novels and was drawn to the plot. He stated, “The reason for making the film was the end. It moved me, it brought me to tears.”
Pablo, previously known as a live-action director with three feature films under his belt, decided that for his fourth feature film, it was time to explore something new: the world of animation.
Robot Dreams’ marks Pablo’s entrance into animated filmmaking. Reflecting on this decision, Pablo stated, “I never thought in my life that I would make an animated film.” However, he explained that if he truly wanted to tell this story, animation was the medium he had to use.
Regarding character development in the film, Pablo aimed to create characters that were honest, truthful, and rooted in reality.
Discussing the setting of the movie, Pablo expressed his desire to make it truly feel like the graphic novel. He described the film as ‘a love letter to New York.’
Pablo himself had lived in New York as a young man, and like the protagonist, Dog, he felt he was also a lonely figure, making and losing friends. Indeed, his experience living in New York was one of the main inspirations behind the creation of the film.”
My Take
Many times while watching Robot Dreams, I could feel tears well up in my eyes. This is one of the realest movies I have ever watched, and none of the characters ever said a word. Each scene brought a mix of emotions from feeling heartbroken to feeling joyful.
The Visual and Sound Effects
The director’s portrayal of bustling New York and its surrounding areas is exceptional.
The characters are very engaging to watch, especially the hard, edgy punk rockers who make appearances throughout the movie. I particularly enjoyed the gag scene where they flip off Robot, and Robot, unaware that it’s an insult, happily reciprocates!
The sound effects are spot-on; I could distinctly hear the sounds of waves, the characters biting down on hot dogs, and the humming of the microwave. These sound effects greatly enhance the storyline and overall atmosphere of the movie.
The Music
The music in the film is excellent. Various renditions of the song ‘September‘ add an interesting flair to the plot, with the piano rendition being particularly enjoyable.
There are several moments in Robot Dreams where Robot is walking down a sidewalk, enthusiastically whistling the song in a robotic tone. These moments were fun to watch and showcased his personality shining through on screen.
The director explains that the film takes place over the span of one year, from September to September.
This timeline felt very natural. He discusses how the first three words of the song, ‘Do you remember,’ actually describes the whole theme of the film, which is about memories and how we overcome loss.
In his interview with Jonas Poher Rasmussen, the director found many connections between the song and the movie’s theme. In particular, the 21st of September is his daughter’s birthday, coinciding with the line ‘do you remember the 21st night of September.’ Despite being over 40 years old, the song is still relevant and loved today.
The Dreams in Robot Dreams
The dreams depicted in the movie were so vivid, at times it was hard to tell which scene was a dream and which one was reality.
I noticed that in Robots dreams, he had his full body, and the dreams were usually happy-go-lucky. He often was walking and whistling in the streets of New York, looking for Dog, but can never seem to find him.
Something about Robots youthful enthusiasm really moved me. I felt really bad for his situation-He didn’t deserve what was happening to him!
Dogs’ dreams usually involved his quest to find a friend. While in the bowling alley, Dog gets humiliated after unsuccessfully throwing a bowling ball. He ducks his body in shame, only to have Robot there to help him up.
This scene illustrates how much Dog really misses having Robot in his life, and that no one else can replace the friendship that they had.
The Struggles in Robot Dreams
The movie also has its share of tragedy, illustrating how heartless the world can be. In one of Robot’s dreams, he dreams that three men in a boat come to save him by refueling him.
Gleefully, he jumps the fence to freedom, whistling down the boardwalk. Unfortunately, the men are only interested in chopping off his leg to use as a plug for a hole in their boat.
Similarly, Dog doesn’t have much luck in his quest for friendship. While on a ski trip, he meets some potential friends only to be mocked and pushed off a cliff.
His only other friend, a female duck, unexpectedly moves to Europe, leaving him alone once again.
My Favorite Scene in Robot Dreams
My favorite scenes had to be the ones involving the baby birds that nested on Robot while he was stuck on the beach.
He really connected with the little orange bird. When the bird would chirp at night, Robot was there to whistle him to sleep. Even as the baby bird struggled to fly, Robot coached him by moving his mouth to the beat.
I almost lost it when it was time for the orange bird to leave the nest. Neither wanted to, but they both had to let go.
The movie Robot Dreams was a powerful showcase of the effects of loneliness, struggle, friendship, and letting go. I have to say that this film is currently one of my favorite films of all time. So if you haven’t seen it, don’t wait any longer.
Find out who won Annie Awards 2023 Best Independent Feature next!
What Your Thoughts?
What did you think about the movie and the characters? Who were your favorite characters? What were your favorite scenes? Let me know if the comments below!
As a movie lover, especially classic 2D animation, I launched this blog as a guide to keep fellow enthusiasts updated on the latest news and information about films and shows. Through Movie Prairie, I strive to share my insights and recommendations, inviting you to explore and appreciate the magic of movies just as much as I do. Join me on this as we delve into the captivating world of film together.
