Director Pablo Berger recently shared insights into the making of the animated film 'Robot Dreams,' based on Sara Varon's graphic novel. The characters, Robot and Dog, were designed to be simple and cartoon-like, making them ideal for animation. Set in '80s New York, the film follows the friendship between a human-like dog and a robot through various adventures and challenges.
The character of Dog was inspired by Jack Lemmon in 'The Apartment,' with Berger feeling a personal connection to the character due to his own experiences living in the East Village. The filmmakers faced the challenge of conveying emotions with minimal facial features for Robot and Dog, drawing inspiration from Japanese animation and Studio Ghibli films.
Animation director Benoît Féroumont played a key role in designing Robot, emphasizing the need for square lines to enhance movement. Discussions were held regarding Dog's ears and tail to ensure they moved realistically without being overly distracting.
The film features a diverse cast of anthropomorphic creatures, reflecting the multicultural nature of New York City. Berger aimed to create surprising pairs among the characters, such as Dog's neighbors being a chicken and a cat. Various animals were included as a nod to different actors, like a monkey as an homage to Steve Buscemi.
Robot and Dog are depicted as contrasting figures, with Dog being bottom-heavy and pear-shaped while Robot has a sturdy torso and sharp edges. The duo draws inspiration from classic silent cinema pairs like Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy.
The film's blend of humor and heartwarming moments, along with its unique character designs and vibrant New York setting, have garnered attention and praise. 'Robot Dreams' is set for a U.S. theatrical release in May, offering audiences a delightful and visually captivating animated experience.
