Bicentennial Man (2 of 2)

Work Title: Bicentennial Man (2 of 2)
Medium: Film
Episode Title:
Year: 1999
Writer(s): Isaac Asimov
"Original" Writer: Yes Writer(s): Robert Silverberg
"Original" Writer: Yes Writer(s): Nicholas Kazan
"Original" Writer: No Own work?: No
Summary:

from imdb.com This film follows the 'life' and times of the lead character, an android (Robin Williams) who is purchased as a household robot programmed to perform menial tasks. Within a few days the Martin family realizes that they don't have an ordinary droid as Andrew begins to experience emotions and creative thought. In a story that spans two centuries, Andrew learns the intricacies of humanity while trying to stop those who created him from destroying him. Written by {N2XFYLS@aol.com}

Era/Year of Portrayal: distant_future
Distinctive characteristics of the world in portrayal:

The film begins in the year 2009. However, most of the action takes place closer to the year 2209. People drive flying cars. Organ transplants of robotic organs are common.

Technology

  • Name of portrayed presence-evoking technology: Andrew Martin
  • Description of the technology: Andre Martin is an adroid, an NDR-114.. He is an anomoly - he has emotions and learns, unlike other robots of his ilk. He clearly appears as a robot built in mans image. He can walk, speak, and interact s as if he was a docile human. By the end of the film, technolgy has evolved so that his outer appearence looks human, although his insides are still robotic. He is friendly, polite, helpful, extemely educated, and learns emotions; he even falls in love.
  • Nature of task or activity: Anything you would do with a butler - or anything you would do with a friend.
  • Performance of the Technology: very well.
  • Description of creator(s): A corporation called NorthAm Robotics.
  • Major goal(s) of creator(s): To make money.
  • Description of users of technology: The Martin family closely interacts with Andrew. They are white and wealthy, male and female, ranging in age form children to senior citizens, over time.
  • Type(s) of presence experience in the portrayal: social_presence
  • Description of presence experience: very enjoyable. The experience is liek interacting with a good friend, who is intelligent and social. He eventually falls in love with a woman named Portia, a member of the Martin family.
  • User awareness of technology during experience: yes.
  • Valence of experience: enjoy it.
  • Specific responses: intense parasocial relationships, enjoyment, involvement, love, fondness.
Long-term consequences:

Bittersweet. Andrew strives to become human, through the replacement of his organs with his own inventions, that closely mimic human organs. He is able to enjoy a long term romantic relationship with a human, but despite battling with the goverment, cannot be legally designated human. He and Portia die within minutes of each other, just as the gov officially declares him human. He chose to die, in order to become human.

Other:

Coder name: Amanda Scheiner
Coder email: amandags@temple.edu
Coder affiliation: Temple University