How Steven Spielberg’s ‘AI: Artificial Intelligence’ Resonates in Today’s World: A Fresh Perspective

Revisiting Spielberg’s AI: Artificial Intelligence from 2001 hits differently today. Back then, AI was little more than a futuristic dream. Fast forward to now: AI is everywhere, from chatbots to our daily tech. Watching AI again, however, reveals more of its flaws and oddities.

The movie is based on a story by Brian Aldiss and influenced by the visionary Stanley Kubrick. It presents a future after catastrophic climate events have reshaped our world. In this new reality, robots are essential because they don’t require food or water. Enter inventor Allen Hobby, who believes he can create an AI child capable of genuine love. A couple, Monica and Henry, adopt David, a prototype. Initially, David feels more eerie than endearing, and the decision to “imprint” his love on his new mother feels odd, especially given that he can’t be reprogrammed if they ever want to let him go.

This brings a critical point into play: the design flaw in David’s programming. His love for Monica is permanent, which raises questions. Would a parent truly want a child who can’t grow or develop? Instead of providing companionship, David’s existence feels more like a constraint.

The film takes an unsettling turn as the narrative unfolds. David’s rivalry with Henry and Monica’s biological son, Martin, leads to a haunting betrayal. When Monica abandons David in the woods, it’s chilling. As viewers, we wrestle with our emotions toward the characters—it’s hard to sympathize with Monica for making such a disturbing choice.

As David’s journey continues, he meets Gigolo Joe, another robot who seems more evolved than David himself. Their adventure across a divided society highlights humans’ mixed feelings about technology: some embrace it, while others shun it. The “Flesh Fair” spectacle, where robots are destroyed for entertainment, illustrates a society grappling with the moral implications of its creations.

Interestingly, Steven Spielberg envisioned a world where AI was deeply integrated into society. Yet today, we still don’t fully realize that future. While technology like self-driving cars exists, the complexities depicted in the film remain largely in the realm of fiction.

A pivotal moment occurs when David seeks the Blue Fairy, a nod to Pinocchio. This quest symbolizes his desire for validation and humanity. However, David’s emotional development seems stunted. Despite being the pinnacle of robotics, he behaves like an innocent child. This contradiction creates confusion about his potential and purpose.

Later, we see David’s creator, Hobby, revealing their surveillance of him throughout his journey, which feels contrived. Hobby’s insights into David chasing his dreams could spark thought-provoking discussions about AI’s future and consciousness. Yet, the film quickly diverts from this fascinating idea.

The ending, when aliens find David 2,000 years later, is a mix of hope and melancholy. They briefly reunite him with his mother, but their time together is limited. This poignant moment echoes the film’s themes of love and the human experience but raises questions about the nature of existence and connection.

In 2025, AI feels like a messy blend of genres—horror, adventure, social commentary—each vying for attention. It’s a lesson on the value of emotions and our shared humanity. The title AI now feels less about artificial intelligence and more about our own intelligence as humans, often taken for granted.

Reflecting on AI, I find it less compelling than I did decades ago. While once seen as profound, it now feels uneven. Still, the film raises valuable questions about the future of technology and humanity. Revisiting this film in another 25 years may offer yet another fresh perspective.

AI: Artificial Intelligence is not currently streaming, but it’s available for rent or purchase. For more on the evolution of technology and film, check out trusted sources like Pew Research.

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