Robot & Frank (PG-13)

I enjoy independent movies. Frank is a dementia-ridden old man who lives by himself. ‘Robot’ is a servant robot gifted to him by his estranged son, Hunter, to help with duties around the house. Frank also happens to be a retired thief. But this movie, “Robot & Frank,” is as much about crime and thrill as “Titanic” is about sea navigation. The film, which was directed by Jake Schreir, tells a similar tale of old age and finding purpose. Not filled with as many jewels as James C.E. Burke’s 2005 “Aurora Borealis,” the film is still both poignant and funny, without being too much of either one.

Frank is played by Frank Langella, who I’ve always liked, especially since Roman Polanski’s “The Ninth Gate.” And here we get to see him in a way we are not used to seeing, bumbling around town, forgetful, trying to eat at his favorite restaurant that is now a clothing store. He’s also accused of shoplifting (which is true); but it isn’t until later we see this is less dementia or Alzheimer’s, but an inability to let go of a lifestyle he may have been forced to let go. Some other players enter the film, such as his estranged son Hunter, his daughter Madison, and a librarian, played charmingly by Susan Sarandon. His life changes when his son finds him wandering on an abandoned road, forces Frank to adopt a servant robot, a robot which Hunter says cannot be turned off. However, it isn’t long before Frank and the Robot become friends, which leads to interesting results.

This movie isn’t an anthem for nursing home diversion programs, but may as well be. Frank takes an interest in the robot, who insists that he “learns to garden,” but which quickly becomes Frank showing the robot how to pick locks. “You need a hobby, Frank,” the robot states. “Teaching you how to pick locks is my hobby.” The two quickly form a bond, a bond all the more comical as the robot doesn’t really know right from wrong (legally), but just seems to intuit what it is Frank needs to pick up the pieces of his life and move on.

This movie is sold by its actors. The robot, voiced by Peter Sarsgaard (“Garden State”) is magnificent, and ads a life and character to this machine that was missing from other films such as “I Robot” or even “Short Circuit.” He starts off leading Frank on a path to better health, and, in an ironic turn, ends up doing that by aiding and abetting several robberies (the most hysterical a library heist, absconding with an ancient copy of ‘Don Quixoite’). In his old age, Frank has lost his purpose; teaching the tools of the trade to this stolid robot gives him that purpose back, and his memory (and mood) blossoms.

Langella is perfect here as Frank, shedding his insecure trader of “Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps” or the surreptitiousness of the aforementioned “The Night Gate.” He plays the part of a man re-awakened well, and the rapport he has with his son, Hunter (James Mardsen) flows with ease. While I adore Liv Tyler, I must say her inclusion as Frank’s daughter Madison is a bit of an interruption in the movie, even if it does solidify an important concept to Frank: the robot is not merely his servant, but his friend. Only in a movie like this do we know what this means, and accept it as truth rather than discard it as tripe. The robot gives Frank a purpose to live, keeping him sharp, and out of, as Hunter calls it, the “Memory Unit.” Society is quick to dispose of its’ useless. Frank is a criminal, but could as well be a carpenter; when we lose our trade, our purpose, we go. Through the robot Frank holds on to his purpose much longer than he expected. The results are spectacular to behold, especially when, to avoid capture, the robot suggests wiping his memory. The scene is reminiscent of the ending of James Cameron’s brilliant “T2: Judgment Day,” but much sweeter and much more sublime.

At the end of the day, “Robot & Frank” is indie through and through. It’s slow paced, has little but character development and not much action. If you can stomach that, give it a try. It’s a treat for those with patience, and features solid acting, a nice soundtrack, and pleasing cinematography throughout. This is not a film about the future, but about the present. When our purpose goes, so goes our mind; “Robot & Frank” reminds us how important that concept is.

– by Mark Ziobro