Robot Dreams: Film Review
If you’re looking for an animation that is slightly different to the usual offerings, perhaps you should check out Pablo Berger‘s Oscar-nominated film Robot Dreams.
Set in a 1980s Manhattan filled with animals instead of humans, the film follows a lonely dog named Dog who buys himself a companion in the form of Robot. After a series of wonderful adventures with his new best friend, Dog takes Robot to the beach and he rusts so badly he cannot move. Dog has to leave him at the beach while he finds help – and their misfortunes spiral from there.
Is Robot Dreams supposed to be this sad?! I found it quietly heartbreaking watching these lonely characters trying to be reunited with their best pal. Perhaps it was just the mood I was in at the time. I have to hand it to Berger though; Robot Dreams tells a very unexpected and tender story that manages to be both heartwarming and moving.
It is very hard to tell a feature-length story without dialogue but Robot Dreams proves that it isn’t always necessary. It is amazing what can be conveyed through body language, facial expressions and sighs. The classically hand-drawn animation is wonderful to watch and the attention to detail and imagination is impressive. Their adventures are accompanied by fantastic music, with September by Earth, Wind & Fire (what a tune) making a recurring appearance.
I must admit that the story ran out of steam in the middle. My interest started to dip during their separate storylines (I wanted them to be together!) and I felt like the idea didn’t warrant 1 hour and 42 minutes. 90 minutes would have been sufficient.
I didn’t love Robot Dreams as much as some but I can still acknowledge that it is a remarkable and unique animation.
In cinemas from Friday 22nd March