LFF 2012 - Robot and Frank

In the past we've bared witness to many a robot in films, ranging from C-3PO and R2-D2 in Star Wars, to Moon's GERTY, and even as far as Alien's humanoid Ash. They've all been engaging characters in their own unique ways, and joining the ranks comes Peter Sarsgaard's Robot in the charming Robot And Frank.

Robot And Frank focuses on Frank (Frank Langella), an ageing former jewel thief who lives on his own and is slowly beginning to feel the full force of Alzheimer's creeping into his life. Separated from his wife 30 years ago, Frank has two grown children, Hunter (James Marsden) and Madison (Liv Tyler), both of whom are concerned about the deteriorating state of their father. As a result of their worries, Hunter buys his father a present in the form of a robot servant (voiced by Peter Sarsgaard) that can aid him with the maintenance of his health as well as everyday chores.

Insistent that he is fine, Frank is initially reluctant to follow the advice of the robot but in time he learns to live with it as a part of his life and the two begin to forge an unlikely friendship. After another regular visit to the library to see Jennifer (Susan Sarandon), Frank comes to find out that the library itself is set for a big change, one that he is not happy with, and comes to the conclusion that something must be done. Realising that his robot is a quick learner in the tricks of a thief, Frank and his trusty new friend begin to hatch a plan that will see a big payday and possibly win the heart of Jennifer.

As pairings go, Robot and Frank brings to screen yet another memorable double act that are sure to captivate audiences and bring both laughter and a sense of emotional involvement. In presenting this unlikely source of friendship between man and robot, director Jake Schreier cleverly weaves his film into a progressive relationship that grows with the audiences' fondness for both characters.

In Frank we have an elderly man clearly falling further into his ill state but with that cutting edge still in being a jewellery thief, and through his robot is an individual who, despite being programmed, feels as human as our main lead in the sense that he is the one looking out for Frank when those closest to him do not have the time.

It's that factor which makes Robot And Frank such a loveable film; the emotional bond grows ever stronger with each passing moment and with such strong performances comes a whole sense of believability and joy. Frank Langella still shows he has the credentials to portray sheer emotive genius and in Peter Sarsgaard lending his voice as Robot, the film has a somewhat humorous and caring character sometimes more human than those who actually are. Aside from the exceptional pairing, Liv Tyler and James Marsden both give good accounts of themselves as siblings who are clearly suffering too from their father's condition, as too does Susan Sarandon.

Backed by a nicely understated score, Robot And Frank is as funny as it is emotional with Langella and Sarsgaard constantly on the mark as the exchanges from the two are smoothly presented in blissful fashion. No sooner are we laughing rapidly at Robot's 'don't molest me' warning or his protocol of keeping Frank healthy, than we are being run through the emotions as the pair face being pulled apart.

A balance as such helps to keep somewhat of a poignant mood to the film and Christopher D. Ford's superb screenplay is backed with first rate pacing, allowing for the audience to maintain relations with the key players. This is a screenplay that not only warms the heart but also keeps events grounded in representing the true nature of dementia. In processing the slightest of characteristics in Frank's everyday life, the film gives a staggeringly accurate account of the downward slope sufferers head toward and is under no illusions when it comes to real life circumstance.

Charming and charismatic  Robot And Frank is a joy to behold. Filled to the brim with heart and gripping performances, it really does show that the most unlikely of double acts are indeed the ones to pull at the emotional heart strings.