Alex Proyas
Io Robot

Warning, the plot of the work is revealed, in whole or in part, below

1. A robot may not injure a human being, or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.

2. A robot must obey the orders given it by human beings, except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.

3. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.

The entire world of robotics is based on these three laws, defined as "The Three Laws of Robotics." But how many contradictions can there be within these rules that regulate the behavior and existence of robots? How fine can the line be that divides the First, Second, and Third Laws? "I, Robot" by Isaac Asimov is an anthology of science fiction stories about robots and humans, where the robot might be a cover for the book's true subject: man.

But let's talk about the film:

Chicago, 2035. Robots have become part of people's daily lives, everyone has one at home, almost like a television. Detective Del Spooner (Will Smith) investigates the murder/suicide of Dr. Lanning, the founder of U.S. Robotics, and is the only one to suspect the impossible, fearing a violation of the Three Laws, the beginning of the revolution. He who had always hated robots for their coldness and for the fact that they could not feel emotions or sentiments. He had hated them ever since, in an accident where his car and another ended up underwater, a passing robot had saved him instead of the girl in the other vehicle because, according to precise calculations, he had a better chance of surviving.

Accompanied by Dr. Susan Calvin (Bridget Moynahan) and Sonny, the only robot able to feel emotions due to a defect in his positronic brain, he will try to stop the robots' advance, to end the revolution led by the central positronic brain, V.I.K.I. Old Lanning, who had understood everything, had left a message for Spooner, knowing that he would believe him, given his unconditional hatred for those "machines," and that message was precisely his death, caused by Sonny at his explicit order (Sonny, being different from other robots, did not abide by the Three Laws in the same way). In reality, the violation of the first two laws by the robots served precisely to protect the First (a robot may not injure a human being, or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm). According to the computer, man was not capable of self-governance, hence the reason for establishing a robot regime, to protect humans from themselves. Eliminating individual humans for the collective good of humanity (quote taken from Wikipedia, rephrased in one's own words). And here there is a reference to the Zero Law:

"A robot may not harm humanity, or, by inaction, allow humanity to come to harm."

 Excellent performance by Will Smith, very suitable for these kinds of roles, breathtaking special effects as always (yes, I know, they're not the most important thing, but the eye also wants its part), with product placements that aren't even that hidden (like Audi and Converse).

I am one of those who watched the movie first and then, intrigued by the plot, read the book. Perhaps that's why the movie version, while being completely different from the written version (Asimov's novel is only a starting point for the film), I liked a lot. Perhaps if it were the other way around, I might have been somewhat disappointed, who knows. The main difference is that, while the book is nothing but an anthology of interconnected stories (though not always), the film has a single storyline, with a single protagonist (not present in Asimov's stories) due to the impossibility of reproducing various stories in such a short time. Also because, if that were the case, watching it wouldn't have made much sense (personal opinion). Who said if the plot isn't very faithful, then it's a bad movie a priori? I like it precisely because it's different; what sense does it make to make a photocopy of the book? (very personal opinion).

In conclusion, a great movie to enjoy watching, without making any comparisons to the book, which I consider foolish, since it has nothing to do with the book apart from the basic idea. Surely, there are those who will see this film as the usual American blockbuster with the usual special effects and the bland final message. I don't think so, but then again, I'm not the only one who can judge.

My father tried to teach me human emotions. They're so... difficult. (Sonny)

My logic is undeniable! My logic is undeniable! (V.I.K.I.)