“I, Robot” Is a Sci-FI Feature Film by Alex Proyas Essay Example
“I, Robot” Is a Sci-FI Feature Film by Alex Proyas Essay Example

“I, Robot” Is a Sci-FI Feature Film by Alex Proyas Essay Example

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  • Pages: 4 (1035 words)
  • Published: August 12, 2017
  • Type: Essay
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We decided to analyze I, Robot, a film set in 2035 Chicago. The plot revolves around the investigation of Dr. Alfred Lanning's death, conducted by homicide detective Del Spooner (played by Will Smith). The futuristic society portrayed in the movie depicts a coexistence between humans and robots, with the latter being an integral part of everyday life. Despite his disdain for technology, Spooner suspects foul play in what appears to be a suicide and suspects that a robot might be implicated. This suspicion poses a challenge due to the three laws that govern robot behavior as programmed into their system.

The main laws governing robots include the following: (1) they are prohibited from causing harm to humans or allowing harm to befall them, (2) they must obey human commands unless it contradicts their own laws, and (3) they have t

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he right to self-defense as long as it does not violate the other laws. However, if these laws can be violated by robots, does this mean there is no obstacle preventing them from taking over the world?

In terms of cinematography, the initial shot employs a low angle perspective which then transitions into a high angle view. This conveys the presence of multiple robots and shows how they are arranged in a military formation with precise alignment. Subsequently, a close-up shot enables viewers to perceive the actual number of robots in each line.

The warehouse is shown from various camera angles, emphasizing its size and the presence of numerous robots. Camera tracking is utilized as Spooner moves between robots, highlighting his uncertainty about which one he is pursuing. The shot transitions from a low angle to a high angl

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during the cat and mouse chase with Sally, revealing the robots' perfect order and alignment, intensifying the sense of a chase. Different camera angles are used to showcase the robots in this scene, incorporating panning shots. There is a slow-motion close-up of the gun, indicating that Spooner is about to fire.

The scene begins with a cat and mouse chase, featuring a low angle shot of Sonny jumping and an eyeline shot of Sonny looking down at Will Smith, who is lying on the floor. The editing includes the appearance of gates labeled "Gate C" as the first establishing shot, indicating that they are in a warehouse. This is followed by a second establishing shot when they enter the factory with working machines in the background, further emphasizing the warehouse/factory setting. Shot/reverse shots are used to depict a conversation between Spooner and Dr. Susan Calvin. Additionally, an eye line shot shows Spooner looking out over the robots, allowing us to understand his reaction to seeing the numerous robots lined up. Finally, an over the shoulder shot is used to enable us to see one person from the perspective of another while Spooner looks at the robots.

Slow motion is observed as Spooner is on the verge of pulling the trigger to shoot another robot, but just as he is about to do so, we are shown an eye line shot to indicate that Spooner has noticed Sonny. Throughout the cat and mouse chase, there are multiple eye line shots to further immerse the audience in the chase. As the car enters the warehouse, there is a combination of diagetic and non-diagetic sound overlapping. We can hear the

background music playing and the sound of the doors opening.

The music continues playing and we can still hear diegetic sounds such as lamps being turned on and robots moving. Post-synchronization is used to incorporate the sound of a gunshot when Spooner shoots one of the robots. The volume of the music gradually increases from a quiet background level to a louder level as Spooner begins chasing Sonny. The music becomes softer when Spooner slows down, but resumes again when Sonny grabs onto him. This change in music creates a feeling for the audience that it is a game of hide and seek. When the music stops, it gives the impression that Spooner has lost Sonny and that Sonny has gone into hiding. As a result, the music starts again when Sonny is no longer in hiding.

When Sonny pushes Spooner and stands over him, the music stops and the game ends. However, when Sonny must run, the music starts again. As the action intensifies, we hear realistic sounds of Sonny opening a hole in the wall and the police officers waiting outside. To create the robots, the filmmakers utilized CSI technology. The CGI character of Sonny was constructed based on an actor's facial features, speech patterns, and movements. Animators incorporated motion capture data from the actor to bring Sonny to life. They digitally removed the actor's image and replaced it with the digital image of Sonny. Additionally, the laser shots fired from the guns are a special effect. In terms of mise en scene, the first shot is intentionally dimmed to convey the darkening outside atmosphere.

The car they are driving lacks wheels, highlighting how cars have

significantly changed over the years. Notably, the police cars have become more bulky, and the helicopter resembles a flying saucer. The purpose of this clip is to convey that we have entered the future, which is reflected in the abundance of metallic materials present in the warehouse/factory they have arrived at. Both Spooner and Dr. Susan Calvin are dressed in leather attire, following the film's blue/grey color scheme. Additionally, the police officers at the end of the clip don leather outfits, enhancing their powerful appearance.

The appearance of Dr. Susan Calvin compared to Spooner suggests that she is likely more composed and in charge. Her hair has been tied back, while Spooner has a more untamed appearance with earrings and a small beard. Additionally, when observing the robots, Dr. Susan Calvin stands with her arms behind her back and maintains a straight posture, whereas Spooner's arms hang down by his side.

The gun carried by Will's character is not an ordinary gun, as it is a double-barreled weapon that signifies the evolution of firearms. Additionally, the blue eyes of the robot Sonny add an element of sincerity and raise doubts about whether Sonny is truly evil.

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