Cast
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Robin Williams
as Andrew
Embeth Davidtz
as Little Miss / Portia
Sam Neill
as Sir
Oliver Platt
as Rupert Burns
Kiersten Warren
as Galatea Robotic / Human
Wendy Crewson
as Ma'am
Hallie Eisenberg
as Little Miss 7 yrs. old
Lindze Letherman
as Miss 9 yrs. old
Angela Landis
as Miss
John Michael Higgins
as Bill Feingold
Bradley Whitford
as Lloyd
Igor Hiller
as Lloyd 10 yrs. old
Joe Bellan
as Robot Delivery Man
Brett Wagner
as Robot Delivery Man
Stephen Root
as Dennis Mansky
Crew
Director
- Chris Columbus
Producer
- Mark Radcliffe
- Michael Barnathan
- Gail Katz
- Laurence Mark
- Chris Columbus
- Neal Miller
- Wolfgang Petersen
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Bicentennial Man examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Chris Columbus brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1999, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Bicentennial Man took approximately 34 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $100.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 131 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 172 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 329 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1999, when this film was released:
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Bicentennial Man shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Ero in guerra ma non lo sapevo, which focuses more on action than character development, Bicentennial Man subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Loving Pablo and Landscape with Invisible Hand explore similar territory, Bicentennial Man stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 17, 1999
- Runtime: 2h 11m
- Budget: $100,000,000
- Revenue: $87,423,861
