Mind-Blowing Practical Robots Steal the Show in Antonio Banderas' Overlooked Sci-Fi Masterpiece

Summary

VFX artists were surprised to learn that the robots in Automata were practical, with CGI effects added. The majority of the robot is real, with small CG pieces added to match.

Rewriting:

Building the actual robots adds to the overall impact of the movie, giving them a more realistic and awe-inspiring presence. The presence of tangible objects on set aids in the filming process.

Unlike other science fiction films such as Blade Runner, Automata stands out by using physical puppets for the robots, leaving a lasting impression on viewers and potentially inspiring them to give the film another watch.

VFX artists were unaware of the presence of practical robots in the science fiction movie Automata, directed by Gabe Ibáńez and released in 2014. The film centers around Jacq Vaucan (played by Antonio Banderas), an insurance agent working for the ROC, who discovers that their technology is undergoing self-alteration. While the film received praise for its visual effects upon its release, some criticized its reliance on familiar genre tropes. Apart from Banderas, the movie also features Dylan McDermott, Birgitte Hjort Sørensen, Tim McInnerny, Melanie Griffith, and Robert Forster.

In a recent video by the Corridor Crew, VFX artists were surprised to learn that the robots in Automata were practical. Although some effects were added, Wren pointed out that the majority of what viewers see on-screen is "analog" and explained the potential use of CGI. Niko also acknowledged the benefits of being able to omit certain elements from a film. Below are some of their comments about Automata's robots, and you can watch that section of the video starting from the 5:26 mark.

Wren explained that often, the team needs to remove certain elements in a painting that are actually covering a part of the robot. As a result, they have to reconstruct those parts of the robot that either do not exist or are added using computer graphics (CG), such as the addition of shin pieces on the robot. However, the majority of the robot looks convincingly realistic because it is physically present. The CG elements only comprise small portions, which are easier to match with the existing robot. The main goal is to ensure that these additions blend seamlessly and do not distract the viewer's attention.

Why The Robots In Automata Are So Impressive

The use of practical puppets in constructing the robots in Automata adds to the overall impact of the movie. Despite their impressive capabilities, such as operating vehicles and assisting injured individuals like Jacq, the robots feel more real and tangible. The Corridor Crew highlighted how these practical effects are seamlessly integrated, making them less noticeable to the audience. Additionally, having physical elements on set for actors to interact with enhances the filming process.

In terms of the story and the robots' role, there have been comparisons made to the iconic 1982 film Blade Runner, starring Harrison Ford, as well as other sci-fi movies. Automata's setting portrays a world devastated by solar storms, emphasizing the plight of humankind. The robots, referred to as Pilgrims, were created to preserve any remaining life. The movie reveals that these robots are controlled by protocols, ensuring they cannot harm humans or alter their own programming.

The robots in Automata, despite their similarities, may leave a lasting impression on fans of the genre when they discover that they were actually practical puppets. It is intriguing that even VFX artists were not able to discern this, which could potentially entice certain viewers to revisit the 2014 film.