In New York in the 1980s, Chien is bored. A television commercial convinces him to order a mechanical friend to assemble. As soon as their eyes meet, it’s love between Dog and Robot.
Inspired by the graphic novel of the same name by Sara Varon, Robot Dreams (My Robot Friendin French) is a film that touches us and makes us smile without saying a word.
The absence of dialogue does not mean that the work is silent. Alfonso de Vilallonga’s beautiful music communicates a vast range of emotions. The different versions of September, from Earth, Wind & Fire, too. The sounds of the metropolis and its many inhabitants evoke the constant hum of the city that never sleeps, which also reinforces the impression of solitude that we sometimes feel in this ambient noise.
When Chien finally has someone with whom to share all that his city has to offer, his face and those of the people they meet light up. That his metal comrade marvels at each of his discoveries – the subway, Central Park, roller skating, street hot dogs – certainly contributes to this.
After spending the summer enjoying New York’s attractions, the duo visited Ocean Beach. After a perfect day under the sun and in the water, Dog and Robot doze off. When they wake up, everyone is gone. They want to do the same, but Robot is paralyzed. Unable to drag it, Dog decides to come back the next day with tools to repair his friend’s mechanism. On his return, at dawn, a mesh fence and a sign inform him that access to the beach is prohibited until next year.
During the following months, Robot and Dog will experience an even deeper solitude: that which follows a departure, a breakup, the end of something beautiful experienced together. A few clearings will allow everyone to get through the seasons. A bird, for example, will come and establish its nest next to Robot. Dog will take a sledding trip – rather than skiing. Lovely moments in the imagination of the two protagonists will also come to life.
Writing about the ending is difficult without spoiling it. Know that she is daring, melancholic and of rare beauty. It’s a bit of a wait to get there, but heartbreak always seems to last forever.
Robot Dreams is a universal work, which stands out as much for its design as for its approach. Watching it will provoke laughter, tears and then memories which could, in turn, generate more laughter and tears.
In theaters in Montreal on June 7, in Quebec on June 14 and elsewhere in the province on June 21
Check the movie schedule
Animated tragicomedy
Robot Dreams
(VF: My Robot Friend)
Pablo Berger
1:42 a.m.
Indoors