Not so original...

I thought that the allegory of how being with a self-destructive partner can lead to your own demise was pretty apparent in the film, no? do you remember how it ends?!

I also think it's a little reductive to suggest that this is merely a retreading of the age old story of self-sacrifice and true love - with robots. I think the film handles the metaphor beautifully. It touches upon themes broader than self-sacrifice and true love, looking at issues of identity, of race and class, in, i thought, a genuinely sophisticated and poignant way. The scene where the old lady chastises the robot Anne for driving a car, and then turns to Sheldon saying "You're not allowed to drive cars" is not only humourous in it's execution, but quite profound too.

I think what's ultimately so wonderful about this film's creativity, though, is Spike Jonze's robot design. His lo-fi, junkyard aesthetic for the robots is charming, and entertaining in its own right, but he also pulls off a greater feat: he makes you care. These aren't slick cyborgs with human faces - Sheldon literally has a 10 year old PC for a head! He looks, frankly, rubbish and yet you emotionally engage with him on so many levels. In these days of sickening over-saturation of CGI in movies, where every wrinkle on every blue-skinned alien can be manipulated to convey "emotion", this feels wholly original, and very refreshing.

Admittedly, the whole robots-being-more-human-than-human thing has been seen before, but this film doesn't even feel like that. It just feels like a powerful love story, with an interesting message - and robots!

I see what you are saying, but there is nothing wrong with revisiting themes. After all themes more often revisit us. Are you the type of person who says this is so cliche' every time you fall in love? Love has been around for a long long time, and will be around for an even longer time. I have not seen a love story presented in this fashion yet. Id rather see the robots try love out than see another romantic comedy. The theme is unoriginal yes, but the story is absolutely original. Take all of your favorite films and i guarantee you there is a story that came before it with the same theme. Its how the theme is presented that counts.

First off, I loved it. I thought it was beautiful.


Secondly, it reminded me very much of The Giving Tree book by Shel Silverstein, which I also loved.



"You paid for parking? For me?"