“Real Steel” is a science fiction movie that came out in 2011. The movie takes place in 2020, where human boxers have been replaced by robots because they are more entertaining to watch. While watching it, it reminded me in some ways of the book we just read, Frankenstein. Some themes were present in both the movie and the book; however the stories are very different. For example, revenge, isolation and appearance were themes clearly developed in Mary Shelley’s novel. Those themes could also be recognized while watching “Real Steel” even though the story is quite different.
Max, one of the main characters, gets in a junkyard with his dad trying to find pieces to put together a new robot but he slips and snags a robot’s arm. Pulling out his son, Charlie (the dad) also pulls out an entire robot named Atom. He is considered old because he was built in 2014. People judge him because of that and it is also the reason why he has been left alone. That is one part where we can see the theme of isolation being effective. After that, Charlie teaches Atom how to box after being begged by Max, the robot’s companion. Unlike Mary Shelley’s story, the robot (who could be compared to the creature in Frankenstein) makes himself a companion easily and adapts to the situation very well. Also, at a certain moment in the film, the robot looks at itself in the mirror and once again, unlike Frankenstein’s creature, likes its reflection. The robot is pleased with what it sees and therefore, has positive feelings about its own self. The appearance theme is not as strong in “Real Steel” as it is in “Frankenstein” but the seen with the robot and the mirror was very symbolic.
At the end, of course the main robot of the story, Atom will “win” the last fight and avenge Charlie, who previously lost to his main rival, Ricky. Again, the idea of revenge is used in a very common way in the movie “Real Steel” but what’s interesting is the fact that a lot of themes used in the book were also used in the movie, even though the stories are very different.
I'd never heard of this movie before. I find the differences--e.g., the creation (robot) being able to make itself a companion, liking what it sees in the mirror--interesting. Do you think that's indicative of our generally more positive view of technology today?
ReplyDeleteI also find it interesting that there are those common elements: the way people judge and are ready to reject or discard whatever is different or outdated seems to be a perennial theme, as is our need for connection (e.g. the way the robot in this movie wants companionship just like the creature in Frankenstein does).
Neat post.
I think that a bit of the relationship humans in the film tend to have with the robot at the beginning is similar to our relationship (in real life) with technology; if something is outdated, it's like it is not usable any more. However, some of them are still performing/working well.
ReplyDeleteThough, I wonder if the use of old electronic gadgets would slow down the progress of new technologies.
Also, just like the old robot that was left alone, some human beings (in the real world) could be left alone after being prejudged and those people need to have (social) connections with other people. That is something very important to know and understand for our society to run correctly, I think.
I loved that movie!
ReplyDeleteI also think it's really great how you related the movie to Frankenstein. I never though of it that way. You're right and relationship between father and son(creator and creation)in Real steel is quite similar to the one in Frankenstein as well. Charlie left Max and never tried to get him back until he actually got to know his own son and realized that he really loves him. Its like when Victor rejected his own creation. Too bad he did not end up being his friend.