Reviewed 26/09/01
This is a film which will split most audiences. I can see how it would be very easy to dislike the film, simply because it does not meet the expectations which most people have for it.
The pairing of Stanley Kubrick and Steven Spielberg seems odd to say the least. One is renown for a pessimistic view of human nature. The other is the ever hopeful modern fairytale teller. But the two men became friends many years ago, and it was Kubrick's wish that Spielberg bring this story to the screen.
However, as Kubrick died without completing a final script, it was up to Spielberg to piece together the notes and storyboards which had been left behind, and write the script himself.
It is this which leads to some of the problems with this film. The first third is pure Kubrick, with shots of people failing to communicate and sudden bursts of emotion. The last third is pure Spielberg, with kid in peril and lots of emotional manipulation. But the tying together of these two different styles is quite a strain on the film.
The other real problem is that the story will seem very familiar to any Sci-Fi fans out there. The "Robot (or non-human) who wants to be Human" is a long running theme in science fiction. Take a look at the three modern Star Trek series and you find Data, Odo and Seven of Nine, all dealing with the same kinds of issues, from different perspectives. A.I. does not really add anything new to the discussion, as it just plays with the old "Pinocchio" story.
All that being said, I still think people should go an see it. Movie buffs will enjoy playing "Spot the reference", and it is interesting to see what one top director does with another's work. The effects are as stunning as you would expect from a Spielberg film. While it may not have the depth of a pure Kubrick movie, Spielberg is to good a director not to emotionally engage his audience. You do feel yourself being drawn into David's quest to become human.
I certainly think this film will be analysed and argued over for years to come, and that has to count for something.
7/10
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