Spoiler Alert
In Robot Dreams, a dog’s best friend is not a man. Instead, it’s in what can be made out of mechanical parts and the hope that parting is not sweet sorrow. In this anthropomorphic world, this canine (simply known as Dog) has no friends. I had questions regarding why this is so. There’s no backstory. My guess is that this mutt is a loner.
And after building Robot, life doesn’t seem as bleak. They hold hands and do things people dating would do, like go dancing in the park. There are even some questionable occasions which made me think he ordered a mail-order bride. It may be answered in the graphic novel this film is based on, but as I haven’t read it, I’ll have to find out!
From a technical perspective, this animation is really well done and as for what the artists had in mind for some sequences, I assume dog has fetishes that’s thankfully been edited out.
Sadly, one day at the beach, he had to leave his best friend behind. That’s because neither of them thought of packing any WD-40 lubricant. As a result, the gears are stuck. He’s too heavy to lift, and I found it strange Dog didn’t try harder to find someone to help. Although he tried calling someone at the phone booth, apparently it was out of service, and not even the after hours patrol officers are helpful since no sense of dialogue is conveyed.
Thankfully, this canine vows to return the next day. However, the beach is closed, and after a few days of attempting to cut the fence and put in a request at the parks office, he gave up. I had to wonder if he thought of asking the Fire Department, since the “pet” is metaphorically stuck up a tree, and they’re often the first responders to any crisis.
As a result, these protagonists are left to deal with problems on their own. I really wanted Dog to go to some authority to tell them what’s wrong, and they’d come to the rescue. Instead, what gets presented is how this character copes with loss and loses faith in saving his best friend. When considering how sentient it is, I’m surprised it can’t let out a continuous robotic squeal for help.
Instead, all Robot does is dream about when the two will be reunited from his tomb. His innocence is begging to be shattered, and eventually, somebody has the heart to save him. It’s a bittersweet moment that gives this work the gravitas to be that Oscar contender as advertised in the trade magazines. This film directed by Pablo Berger has meaning. And when this movie only has a soundtrack to convey those emotional beats, it better be used right or the story goes nowhere.
If there’s supposed to be a happy ending, this work will surprise. I won’t spoil what happens, as I think the idea this director wants to convey concerns how “The Show Must Go On.” As much as I’d love to hear that Queen song used, it’s most likely an intentional choice because it was released in 1991. When this film has a very distinct 80s vibe to it, to offer any other tune not released in that time frame would’ve been distracting.
Instead, Earth, Wind, and Fire’s “September” gets overused to highlight the nostalgic factor that is too much for my tastes. Had The Beatles “Let it Be” been used instead, the emotional impact would’ve worked even better.
4 Stars out of 5
Robot Dreams Trailer
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Great review! I Loved the film. But I too was wondering why Dog did not explain his problem or ask for help for the authorities.