Oscar-nominated “Robot Dreams” is getting a theatrical release almost one year after its Cannes debut.
Directed by Pablo Berger, “Robot Dreams” is based on a graphic novel by Sara Varon and follows the unexpected friendship between a dog and a robot. Dog lives in Manhattan and is tired of being alone, so he does what any good boy would do: build himself a robot companion. Their friendship blossoms until they become inseparable — until Dog is forced to abandon Robot at the beach. And it’s all set to ’80s music.
The Oscar-nominated feature premiered at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival and later won the Special Jury Prize at the Animation Is Film Festival. “Robot Dreams” marks the “Blancanieves” filmmaker Berger’s animated feature debut.
“With ‘Robot Dreams’ I wanted to explore the infinite narrative possibilities of animation. A medium
where everything is possible and there are no formal limits,” Berger said in a press statement. “‘Robot Dreams’ is a film that looks at the past, at traditional animation, but it is conceived for today’s
audience. The film doesn’t exclude any kind of spectator. Classic animation, in two dimensions, drawn
frame by frame, has its own 8 expressiveness, humanity, and empathy. In ‘Robot Dreams’ we have
sought a fluidity and a line that reflect the story and its characters with simplicity. And coming from
working with actors, I have given maximum importance to the eyes. Our animated characters’ gaze has
been the essential element in obtaining performances full of life. In an animation film, in some way, the
animators are the actors, they are the ones who give life to each character. Working with them has,
definitely, been one of the most gratifying experiences on this long journey.”
Berger added that the musical components of the feature are key to understanding the two central characters.
“From the first image to the end, music is present, giving voice to the characters and intensifying
their emotions,” Berger said. “The soundtrack combines original music by Alfonso de Vilallonga with great musical hits, from the legendary ‘September’ by Earth, Wind & Fire to the 80s ‘Let’s Go’ by The Feelies.”
Berger told IndieWire that his main inspiration for the film hailed from Studio Ghibli, which was a “key” influence.
“We were always looking at Ghibli because they have an answer for everything. But I connect a lot with [Isao] Takahata. Miyazaki’s fantastical but Takahata, no. I like his storytelling in ‘Grave of the Fireflies,’” Berger said. “I let myself go with the subconscious to bring visual ideas, and then I try to bring some order to the chaos. And for me this book allowed me to be like a jazz musician. The book was the melody.”
“Robot Dreams” premieres in theaters May 31 in New York City, June 7 in Los Angeles, and will later have an expanded release from Neon. Check out the trailer below.
