When page meets screen: Bicentennial Man (2024)

Bicentennial Man is a science fiction novella by the renowned author Isaac Asimov, which was later adapted into a movie directed by Chris Columbus.

This captivating tale explores the life and journey of an android named Andrew Martin, who seeks to become more human as he serves a human family for over 200 years.

Both the book and movie have garnered immense praise for their thought-provoking themes and storytelling that address complex human emotions and the nature of humanity itself.

In this article, we will delve into the world of Bicentennial Man and provide a comprehensive guide, including book and movie summaries, character analysis, iconic quotes, the soundtrack, and much more.

Isaac Asimov: Author Biography and Works

Isaac Asimov was a prolific writer and biochemist, best known for his works in the science fiction genre. Born in Russia in 1920, Asimov later immigrated to the United States with his family and eventually became a professor of biochemistry at Boston University.

Over his lifetime, Asimov authored or edited over 500 books and an estimated 90,000 letters and postcards. Among his most popular works are the Foundation series, the Robot series, and the Galactic Empire series.

Asimov’s writing style is characterized by his attention to detail, scientific accuracy, and his ability to explore complex social and philosophical issues. His contributions to the science fiction genre have made him one of the most celebrated authors of all time, alongside contemporaries like Arthur C. Clarke and Robert A. Heinlein.

Today, Asimov’s works continue to inspire countless readers, writers, and filmmakers.

Book Summary: Exploring Asimov’s Classic Tale

Bicentennial Man is set in a future where androids are part of everyday life, serving humans in various capacities. The story revolves around a unique android named Andrew Martin, who possesses exceptional creativity and intelligence. When the Martin family realizes that Andrew is different from other androids, they encourage him to develop his artistic and intellectual abilities.

As Andrew grows and evolves, he begins to question the nature of his existence and the limitations imposed upon him as a machine. He develops a deep desire to become more human and embarks on a quest to transform himself physically and emotionally. Throughout his journey, Andrew grapples with issues of mortality, love, and the essence of humanity.

Movie Summary: Chris Columbus’s Adaptation

In 1999, Bicentennial Man was adapted into a feature film directed by Chris Columbus and starring the late Robin Williams as Andrew Martin. The movie follows the same basic plot as the novella, with some differences in the character development and pacing.

The film delves deeper into the relationships between Andrew and the various members of the Martin family, showcasing the emotional bonds that form over generations. The movie also introduces several new characters and situations that were not present in the original novella, adding an additional layer of depth and complexity to the story.

Bicentennial Man received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising Robin Williams’s performance and the film’s exploration of human emotions, while others criticized its length and pacing. Despite these critiques, the movie remains a beloved adaptation of Asimov’s classic tale for many fans.

Who’s Who: Key Characters and Cast

In both the book and movie, the central character is Andrew Martin, an android with exceptional intelligence and creativity.

As Andrew embarks on his journey to become more human, he encounters various characters who help shape his understanding of humanity and his place in the world.

Some of the key characters in Bicentennial Man include:

Andrew Martin (played by Robin Williams in the movie): The titular character, an android who aspires to become human.

Sir Richard Martin (Sam Neill): The patriarch of the Martin family, who first recognizes Andrew’s unique abilities and encourages his development.

Little Miss (Embeth Davidtz): Sir’s daughter, who forms a close bond with Andrew and supports his quest for humanity.

Portia (also played by Embeth Davidtz): Little Miss’s granddaughter, who becomes the love interest for Andrew in the movie.

Bicentennial Man’s World: Setting and Film Locations

Asimov’s Bicentennial Man is set in a futuristic world where advanced technology and androids are commonplace. The story spans over 200 years, showcasing the evolution of society and technology during this time. The movie adaptation stays true to this futuristic vision, with stunning visual effects and production design that bring the world to life.

The film was shot in various locations across the United States, including San Francisco, California, and the picturesque coastal town of Mendocino. The beautiful landscapes and architecture serve as a fitting backdrop for the story’s exploration of humanity and the passage of time.

Iconic Quotes from Bicentennial Man

Bicentennial Man is filled with memorable quotes that capture the essence of the story and its characters.

Some of the most iconic quotes from both the book and movie include:

“To be human is to be at the mercy of others.” – Andrew Martin

“One is glad to be of service.” – Andrew Martin

“I try to become more like a human being without the success I desire.” – Andrew Martin

“Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness: we fought for these ideals; we shouldn’t settle for less.” – Sir Richard Martin

The Soundtrack: James Horner’s Musical Contribution

The Bicentennial Man movie features a beautiful and moving soundtrack composed by the legendary James Horner. Known for his work on iconic film scores such as Titanic, Braveheart, and Avatar, Horner’s music for Bicentennial Man perfectly complements the film’s emotional depth and futuristic setting.

The soundtrack includes both orchestral pieces and piano solos, creating a rich and varied listening experience that adds to the film’s overall impact.

Bicentennial Man’s Curiosities and Trivia

Bicentennial Man is a rich and complex story that has captivated audiences for decades.

Here are some fascinating curiosities and trivia about the book and movie:

The novella was originally published in 1976 in the science fiction magazine, Isaac Asimov’s Science Fiction Magazine.

Asimov’s original title for the novella was “The Positronic Man,” which was changed when it was published in book form.

Robin Williams was a huge fan of Asimov’s work and lobbied for years to make the Bicentennial Man movie adaptation a reality.

The movie was initially supposed to be directed by Steven Spielberg, but he dropped out due to scheduling conflicts.

Bicentennial Man was one of the first movies to use CGI to create a digital character, with Robin Williams’s face and voice being superimposed onto a CGI body for certain scenes.

The movie was a box office disappointment, earning just over 100 million.

The novella was later adapted into a stage play, which premiered in London in 2016.

Tips for Cosplay: Dressing Like Bicentennial Man Characters

Bicentennial Man features a unique and memorable cast of characters, including the titular android Andrew Martin.

For fans who want to cosplay as their favorite characters from the book or movie, here are some tips and ideas:

Andrew Martin: For Andrew’s signature look, you will need a silver jumpsuit with black accents, silver boots, and silver gloves. You can also add silver face paint or a silver mask to complete the android look.

Little Miss: Little Miss’s outfit is simple yet elegant. You will need a white dress with a matching hat and gloves, as well as a pair of white high heels.

Sir Richard Martin: Sir Richard’s wardrobe is classic and timeless. You will need a tailored suit in a dark color, a crisp white shirt, and a pair of black dress shoes.

The Ending Explained: Book vs. Movie

The ending of Bicentennial Man is a poignant and emotional moment that has left readers and viewers alike with many questions and interpretations. In the novella, Andrew ultimately achieves his goal of becoming human by undergoing a surgical procedure that transforms his mechanical components into organic ones. He lives out the rest of his life as a mortal man, passing away peacefully surrounded by loved ones.

In the movie adaptation, the ending is slightly different. Andrew undergoes a similar transformation, but he also uploads his consciousness into a quantum computer, allowing him to live on in a digital form. The movie’s ending has been met with mixed reactions, with some fans finding it uplifting and others questioning the philosophical implications of digital immortality.

Beyond Bicentennial Man: Remakes, Sequels, Spin-offs, and Other Media

Bicentennial Man has inspired a wide range of media beyond the original book and movie.

Here are some examples:

The novella was adapted into a stage play by writers Chris Harvey and Robert Stigwood in 1995.

In 2006, a video game based on the Bicentennial Man movie was released for the PlayStation 2.

Asimov’s Robot series, which features the character of Andrew Martin, has been adapted into a TV series called “I, Robot” by Amazon Studios.

The Bicentennial Man movie has been remade in various languages, including Tamil and Telugu.

The themes of artificial intelligence and humanity explored in Bicentennial Man have been the subject of countless other works, including the movies Her and Ex Machina, and the TV series Westworld.

Similar Works by Isaac Asimov and Related Media

If you enjoyed Bicentennial Man and want to explore more works by Isaac Asimov or related media, here are some recommendations:

The Foundation series: Asimov’s most famous work, the Foundation series is a sweeping epic that explores the fall of a galactic empire and the rise of a new civilization.

The Robot series: The Robot series features the character of Andrew Martin and explores the relationship between humans and sentient machines.

The I, Robot movie: The 2004 movie adaptation of Asimov’s classic short story collection features Will Smith as a detective investigating the murder of a scientist by a robot.

Blade Runner: Ridley Scott’s iconic 1982 movie explores similar themes of humanity and artificial intelligence, set in a futuristic dystopian city.

Book Club Questions for Bicentennial Man

For book clubs or readers who want to dive deeper into the themes and ideas presented in Bicentennial Man, here are some discussion questions:

What does the character of Andrew Martin represent to you? What is his significance in the story?

How does the story explore the concept of humanity? Do you think the novella or movie provides a clear definition of what it means to be human?

What role do the various characters in the story play in Andrew’s journey to become more human? How do they help or hinder his progress?

What is the significance of the novella’s title, “The Positronic Man”? How does this relate to Andrew’s story?

Video Games Inspired by Bicentennial Man

In 2006, a video game based on the Bicentennial Man movie was released for the PlayStation 2. The game follows the plot of the movie, allowing players to control Andrew as he navigates through various environments and interacts with other characters.

The game received mixed reviews, with some critics praising its faithfulness to the movie’s story and characters, while others criticized its repetitive gameplay and lack of innovation.

Travel Guide: Visiting Bicentennial Man Locations

If you’re a fan of Bicentennial Man and want to visit some of the locations featured in the movie, here are some must-see destinations:

San Francisco, California: Many of the movie’s outdoor scenes were shot in and around San Francisco, including the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.

Mendocino, California: The picturesque coastal town of Mendocino served as the primary filming location for the Martin family’s home and surrounding areas.

Sony Pictures Studios: The Bicentennial Man movie was filmed on the Sony Pictures lot in Culver City, California. Visitors can take a tour of the lot and see some of the sets and locations used in the movie.

Conclusion

Bicentennial Man is a timeless tale that continues to captivate and inspire audiences around the world. Whether you’re a fan of the novella or the movie adaptation, there is much to explore and discover in the world of Andrew Martin and his quest for humanity.

We hope this guide has provided a comprehensive overview of the story, characters, and themes of Bicentennial Man, as well as some interesting trivia and recommendations for further exploration.

Tags: 1999Chris ColumbusDramaEmbeth DavidtzIsaac AsimovJames HornerKiersten WarrenMovies based on booksOliver PlattRobin WilliamsSam NeillSci-Fi