A.I.
From Metaverse
2001
In the future, the polar ice caps have melted causing worldwide devastation. Survivors have been forced inland as all of the coastal cities worldwide have been destroyed. Due to lack of inhabitable space, a reproduction quota has been set. Couples must obtain a license before conceiving a child. Consequently, society has turned to artificial intelligence in the form of humanoid robots. These mechanical organisms, also called Mecha, do not need food, water, oxygen, or any other precious natural resource to exist. As a result, mecha are developed to serve a variety of societal needs.
Naturalists, or pro-lifers, strongly oppose the development of life like mecha designed to replace humans. They strongly oppose artificiality, and take joy in destroying mecha.
The next generation of mecha is created in the form of a child. David is a boy mecha whose purpose is to provide an artificial alternative to parents who cannot get reproductive licenses or have lost a child. David’s unique programming allows him to love like a real person, unlike any other mecha before him.
Monica, David’s adoptive mother, takes David in as a replacement for the loss of her own son, Martin. Martin is in a cryogenic state awaiting a cure for a deadly disease. Miraculously, a cure is found for Martin’s disease after more than 5 years. Martin returns home, and a sibling rivalry erupts over mother’s love. When David becomes too much to handle, Monica deserts him in the woods and tells him to run and avoid humans at all costs. David then journeys to become a “real” boy in order to get his mother to love him like Martin. David’s journey is modeled after Pinocchio’s journey to become a real boy.
Contents |
Cast, Director, Writter
Cast
Haley Joel Osment .... David
- 11 year old Mecha boy. First of his kind with the ability to love.
Frances O'Connor .... Monica Swinton
- David's adoptive mother and focus of his journey to become a real boy.
Sam Robards .... Henry Swinton
- David's adoptive father who brings David home to help his wife deal with the loss of their son.
Jake Thomas .... Martin Swinton
- Monica and Henry's son who is in a in a cryogenic state for 5 years until a cure for his disease is found.
Jude Law .... Gigolo Joe
- A lover mecha designed with the sole purpose of serving human women's sexual needs. Teams up with David on his quest to become human.
William Hurt .... Prof. Hobby (the Visionary)
- God character responsible for the creation of David.
Jack Angel .... Teddy (voice)
- David's friend who looks out for him, and accompanies David on his journey.
Robin Williams .... Dr. Know (voice)
- Computer/Artificial know it all who tells David how to find the Blue Fairy.
Directed By
Steven Spielberg
Writing credits
Ian Watson (screen story)
Brian Aldiss (short story Supertoys Last All Summer Long)
Steven Spielberg (screenplay)
Themes, Motifs & Symbols
Themes & Motiffs
- Becoming a “real” boy. Pinocchio type quest.
- Possibility of love between humans and machines
- Maternal struggle
- Racism and oppression by superior race. Fight against artificiality.
- Quest for acceptance
- Machines as source for human pleasure.
Symbols
- Humans assuming roll as God; creating life.
- Pinocchio
- Teddy- Conscience, security, friend.
- Prof. Hobby - God of Mechas. Creator. Lives in far away place.
- Manhattan - Heaven. "Place where Mechas go but never come back." Home of Prof. Hobby.
- Blue Fairy - Angel
Cyber Punk Characteristics
- Definite Uncanny Valley evidence. Up until this point, Mecha were in the valley, and were realistic but held little emotional value. David advances out of the valley and begins to evoke human emotion and responses.
- Film noir - Dark scenes. Rarely day light.
- Future - Starts off in relatively near future. Ends 2000+ years ahead after the extinction of all human life
Discussion Questions
- How long could you keep a Mecha Child? They never get any older. Would there come a point where you could not have one any more?
- Are there risks associated with Mecha's who have advanced feelings? (Think Blade Runner)
- How expensive is a Mecha?
- What happens when generations of Mecha children lose their parents due to old age? Mecha orphans? Or do they get recycled (killed)?
- At what point does the line between Orga (real) and Mecha get too blurry?
- What other Mecha are possible if there is now the ability to program them to love? (Mecha spouses, mothers, fathers)
- Do the Flesh Fair owners have a vaild point? What is it that makes the Flesh Fair patrons turn on the owners?
- Is there anything wrong with the treatment of the Mecha at the Flesh Fairs?
- Should out dated, damaged, or unwanted Mecha be destroyed or set free?
- Is Teddy a hero?
Related Links
USA Today article about A.I. the Movie.
Kidzworld - A kids site with a kids version of a movie review for A.I. Kind of funny to read.
Our friends at Wikipedia have a page all about the movie. Just like the one we are building as a matter of fact.
This guy hates the movie. Wrote an article trashing the whole movie. Must say, I kind of agree with him.
Trailers
Rottentomatoes.com Variety of trailers, clips, and media promos for A.I. the movie. Variety of formats.
