Pablo Berger, acclaimed Spanish director behind films like Blancanieves and Abracadabra, ventured into the world of animation with “Robot Dreams”, a touching tale adapted from Sara Varon’s 2007 graphic novel. Set in 1980s New York City and populated by anthropomorphic animals, the film beautifully captures the ephemeral nature of friendships.
The story begins in the East Village where Dog, feeling lonely and isolated, decides to order a robot companion. Their journey of friendship resonates deeply, especially during their whimsical summer together. Key moments include bonding over Earth, Wind & Fire’s ‘September’
and enjoying the vibrant city life, depicted with exquisite pointillist detail.
The plot takes an emotional turn when an outing to Playland (evoking memories of Coney Island) ends with Robot being stranded on the beach. This leaves Dog heartbroken as he can’t rescue his metal friend until much later. This separation drives each to forge new connections while never forgetting each other—an evocative exploration of enduring bonds amidst changing circumstances.
Berger faced significant challenges transitioning from live-action to animation, especially as production pivoted to pop-up studios in Spain due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Suddenly, we had to create our own studios in Spain
, he explained. Despite these hurdles, his dedication resulted in an animated film that remains faithful to its source material while offering expanded relationships and emotional depth.
Musical elements play a crucial role since ‘Robot Dreams’ is wordless; these soundtracks are vital in creating its world. According to Berger, popular 1980s pop hits underscore pivotal scenes, making them memorable and engaging for viewers across generations.
As both a family-friendly and mature film, ‘Robot Dreams’ aligns with Berger’s belief that animation is just a way to tell the story
. He emphasizes that animation isn’t limited to children’s entertainment but offers layered storytelling for all audiences.
Sara Varon’s original wordless graphic novel served as inspiration for Berger. His passion for the book is evident in his adaptation efforts despite being new to animation direction.
The film culminates in recognition ‘Robot Dreams’
received: a nomination for Best Animated Feature at the Oscars alongside heavyweight contenders like Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. This acknowledgment highlights both its heartfelt narrative and technical excellence.
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