Robot & Frank

ROBOT & FRANK

Director : Jake Schreier
Year : 2013
Genre : Comedy/Drama
Rating : ***1/2

Both a commentary on aging and a quirky and strange indie picture, 'Robot & Frank' is a hugely entertaining and touching film that is able to be both sympathetic and optimistic despite its depressing and forlorn subject matter. Featuring a bravura performance by Frank Langella as well as a strong and emotive supporting cast including Susan Sarandon, Liv Tyler and James Marsden, 'Robot & Frank' is an intelligent, thought provoking and moving film that shows that even those who have life-changing disabilities and illnesses can still be happy with the help of hope, self trusting and a friend to hold your hand.

Set in the not too distant future, Frank is an elderly ex cat burglar who is slowly succumbing to the scourge of dementia. To help with his housework and to keep him healthy, his son buys him a special robot butler that is programmed to monitor Frank's diet, exercise and wellbeing. Although wary of it's presence at first, he soon develops a bond with the robot and they quickly become inseparable. After realising that the machine cannot distinguish between legal and illegal activities, Frank teaches the robot to pick locks and he soon begins committing petty crimes which rejuvenate him and give him a new lease of life.

The ideas behind 'Robot & Frank' had been around for nearly a decade before it's UK release in March 2013.  The film is based on the thesis by Christopher Ford and director Jake Schreier,  written whilst attending  the New York University Tisch School Of The Arts. Both were interested in the rapid rise of digital technology and the impact it has on our lives. They began creating a story based on the benefits, rather than the dangers, of welcoming seemingly sentient machines into our lives.

For such a low budget independent film, the calibre of the cast is quite extraordinary. Frank Langella is brilliant as the eponymous Frank, whilst Liv Tyler and James Marsden are completely believable as his children. Susan Sarandon also stars as Frank's only friend and confidante. The voice of the robot is provided by Peter Sarsgaard, who is able to bring a personality to the seemingly lifeless and emotionless machine. Evoking the ghost of Kevin Spacey's GERTY from 'Moon', Sarsgaard's voice is beautifully soothing and suitably mechanical which fits the character perfectly. Alike the most memorable movie robots such as HAL 9000 from '2001 : A Space Odyssey', Robby from 'Forbidden Planet' and the aforementioned GERTY, this machine becomes a distinct and separate character who blends seamlessly into the cast. Never seeming like a novelty, the movie treats it's science fiction element completely realistically and manages to make the near future seem like the present.

While the comedic moments are funny and memorable, 'Robot & Frank' truly finds its feet and heart when exploring the realities of dementia. Having played a cancer sufferer in Paul Thomas Anderson's brilliant 'Magnolia', Langella knows how to deliver a truthful and realistic portrayal of a man dealing with a debilitating disease not unlike Frank's dementia. Langella holds the film together, it is through him that we see the emotional and physical support that technology can provide, giving us a glimpse of  probable future where technology such as the robot will become an essential part of everyday life and indeed, the health service.

While it has moments of laugh out loud comedy and a number of entertaining set pieces, 'Robot & Frank' is at heart a touching and hopeful film that deals with a heavy subject matter with the gravity and respect it deserves. A light hearted, intelligent and poignant film, 'Robot & Frank' will entertain adults and children alike, spreading a message of hope and understanding to all who watch it.