Nerine's Thoughts On Things

Today I watched one my favorite films Bicentennial Man released December 17, 1999 directed by Chris Columbus. This cinematic gem underperformed at the box office but that doesn’t diminish the film’s right to be called a cinematic masterpiece. Bicentennial is based on the works of Issac Asimov who is referred to by many as the father of robotics. Asimov created the Three Laws which are the robotic commandments. Bicentennial Man begins in 2005 when the Martin family purchases a robot to perform household chores. The robot is given the name Andrew and the Martin family receives him with emotions ranging from curiosity to contempt. Eventually Andrew is considered a member of the Martin family. After breaking the most prized figurine of the youngest Martin daughter Amanda, Andrew makes her a one of a kind piece to replace the figurine he broke due to the remorse he felt for breaking her cherished possession. Andrew’s ability to create and the fact he possesses emotions intrigues the Martin family especially the father Richard. Richard takes Andrew to the company where he was manufactured to inquire if Andrew was unique. Andrew’s unique qualities upset the company and they immediately want to correct them, but Richard declines. After this meeting Richard decides to teach Andrew and develop his unique qualities. I will stop my summary of the film here, because I don’t want to spoil it. The beauty of Bicentennial Man is that it causes you to reassess humanity and the human condition. Because Andrew had a positronic brain he was basically immortal time death’s most loyal employee couldn’t punch his metaphorical time card. I began to think why do humans strive to leave a legacy behind, is it due to our mortality. Due to scientific breakthroughs prolonged life and eventually the possibility of immortality may not be inconceivable. Also the idea of self aware robots are not just purely a staple of science fiction anymore it seems as the day of the singularity is steadily approaching. When we that day arrives there will be questions that humanity will face. For example what makes a being human. The answer the film Bicentennial Man provided was wanting to be loved and a desire for freedom is what constitutes who or what is human.

By FDASuarez