Artificial Intelligence (Film)

Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) is a 2001 science fiction drama film directed by Steven Spielberg. The film centers on David, a robotic child endowed with human-like emotions, as he seeks acceptance and love from a real human family.

Plot

In the future, much of the world has been submerged due to global warming. Humans coexist with advanced robots known as "Mecha." A company called Cybertronics develops David, a child robot capable of emotional responses. David is adopted by Henry and Monica Swinton, a grieving couple, to replace their son who lies in a coma. However, when their biological son recovers and returns home, David’s presence creates complex tensions within the family. Forced to abandon David, Monica leaves him behind. Determined to become a real child and win his mother’s love, David embarks on a quest to find the legendary Blue Fairy, alongside other Mecha like himself.

Thematic Structure

• Artificial Intelligence and Humanity: The film explores profound philosophical questions about the nature of artificial intelligence, its capacity for emotion, and its relationship to humanity.
• Love and Acceptance: David’s desperate longing for unconditional love and acceptance forms the emotional core of the film.
• Identity and Existence: David’s quest to become “real” challenges concepts of identity, existence, and what it means to be human.
• Loneliness and Abandonment: David’s fear of abandonment and his struggle with loneliness deepen the film’s melancholic atmosphere.
• The Future and Technology: The film examines potential future human-robot relationships and the broader societal implications of technological advancement.

Production and Release Information

“Artificial Intelligence” was originally a project long developed by Stanley Kubrick but left unfinished at his death. It was subsequently directed by Steven Spielberg, who based the screenplay on Kubrick’s notes and material, with additional writing by Ian Watson. The musical score was composed by John Williams. The main cast includes Haley Joel Osment, Jude Law, Frances O’Connor, and William Hurt. Principal photography took place largely at Warner Bros. Studios, in sound stages and at the Spruce Goose Dome in Long Beach, California, with additional scenes filmed at Oxbow Regional Park in Oregon. “Artificial Intelligence” was released in the United States on 29 June 2001.

Cast

• Haley Joel Osment: David
• Jude Law: Gigolo Joe
• Frances O’Connor: Monica Swinton
• Sam Robards: Henry Swinton
• William Hurt: Professor Hobby

Awards and Nominations

• Academy Awards (2002): Nominated – Best Visual Effects, Best Original Score
• Golden Globe Awards (2002): Nominated – Best Director (Steven Spielberg)
• BAFTA Awards (2002): Nominated – Best Visual Effects

Box Office Performance

“Artificial Intelligence” earned approximately $235 million worldwide.