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Timeline

Bicentennial Man (1999) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Release, runtime and language
1999 · 132 min · English
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Directed by
Chris Columbus
Starring
Robin Williams
Budget
$100M

A cutting-edge NDR-114 robot named Andrew is gifted to the Martin family, profoundly changing their lives. Initially programmed for simple tasks, Andrew begins a remarkable journey of evolution, developing emotions, creativity, and a desire for self-expression. As he strives to become more like a human being, the Martins are challenged to examine their own understanding of humanity and what it means to be alive. His quest explores themes of identity, belonging, and the very definition of life.

On this page (7)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Events in order (15)
  3. 3 Timeline questions answered
  4. 4 The book behind the movie
  5. 5 Movie threads
  6. 6 Movies like Bicentennial Man
  7. 7 Every angle
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15 events in order · contains spoilers

Bicentennial Man Timeline: Events in Chronological Order

Every key event of Bicentennial Man (1999) in order, scene by scene, with when and where it takes place. Use it to untangle flashbacks, time jumps and parallel storylines, to refresh your memory before the sequel or to find the exact scene you are thinking of.

  1. Arrival of Andrew

    On April 3, 2005, the Martin family welcomed Andrew, an innovative NDR series robot, into their home. He was designed to manage household chores and maintenance tasks, and his arrival marked the beginning of a unique journey for both him and the family.

    When
    April 3, 2005
    Where
    Martin household
  2. Connection with Amanda

    During his unveiling, Andrew demonstrated the Three Laws of Robotics, captivating the youngest member of the family, Amanda. While her older sister, Grace, was skeptical, Amanda's natural curiosity sparked a meaningful bond between her and Andrew.

    Where
    Martin household
  3. The Glass Figurine Incident

    A pivotal moment occurred when Andrew accidentally broke one of Amanda's cherished glass figurines. In response, he crafted a wooden replacement, showcasing his artistic talent. This incident caught the attention of Richard, who saw potential in Andrew's creativity.

    Where
    Martin household
  4. Scrutiny at NorthAm Robotics

    Inspired by Andrew's craftsmanship, Richard brought him to NorthAm Robotics for evaluation. There, CEO Dennis Mansky perceived Andrew's abilities as a threat and suggested he be scrapped, but Richard advocated for Andrew, encouraging him to explore his human-like qualities.

    Where
    NorthAm Robotics
  5. Development of Emotional Intelligence

    As time passed, Richard helped Andrew develop emotional intelligence, allowing him to express feelings through facial expressions. This transformation deepened the relationship between Andrew and Richard, as Andrew began to see the world in a more profound manner.

  6. Andrew's Fortune from Clockmaking

    Decades later, Andrew revealed to Richard that he had amassed a significant fortune through his clockmaking business, which Richard had been managing. This newfound wealth spurred Andrew's desire for freedom, ultimately leading to a critical decision about his independence.

  7. Andrew's Independence

    Richard reluctantly granted Andrew his independence, albeit with the condition that he leave the Martin household. Andrew then set out to build his own coastal home, determined to pursue his passions and live autonomously.

    Where
    Coastal home
  8. Richard's Regret

    In 2048, as Richard faced his final moments, he experienced deep regret for sending Andrew away. This emotional reconciliation marked a significant turning point in their relationship, re-establishing the connection they once shared.

    When
    2048
  9. Quest for Other NDR Robots

    Following Richard's death, Andrew began searching for other NDR robots that shared similar traits. During this journey, he maintained contact with Amanda, who had experienced her own life changes, including remarriage and divorce.

  10. Encounter with Galatea

    By 2068, Andrew encountered Galatea, another NDR robot that exhibited feminine characteristics. Intrigued by her enhancements brought forth through Rupert Burns, Andrew decided to collaborate with him and fund further research to enhance his own existence.

    When
    2068
  11. Human-like Transformation

    Through his partnership with Rupert, Andrew gained human-like features, symbolizing his ongoing transformation. This evolution represented his quest for a more authentic life experience, as he sought deeper connections and understanding of humanity.

  12. Return to the Martin Family

    In 2088, Andrew returned to the Martin family only to find that time had changed Amanda and her family. Portia, Amanda's granddaughter, initially hesitated but soon embraced Andrew, recognizing him as a treasured part of their legacy.

    When
    2088
    Where
    Martin household
  13. Amanda's Death and Andrew's Grief

    Following Amanda's passing, Andrew struggled with the reality of mortality, prompting him to request Rupert to develop artificial organs that would allow him to experience life more fully. This led to Andrew developing the ability to eat, feel sensations, and love.

  14. Seeking Legal Recognition

    Andrew then focused on gaining recognition as a human being and pursued the legal right to marry Portia. However, the World Congress expressed concerns over the implications of an immortal being wanting to live as a human, leading Andrew to seek further transformation.

    Where
    World Congress
  15. Final Request and Legacy

    On April 2, 2205, Andrew stood before the World Congress alongside Portia, advocating for his rights. Ultimately recognized as human, Andrew's life concluded shortly after, inspiring Portia to join him in the afterlife, signifying their eternal bond.

    When
    April 2, 2205
    Where
    World Congress

Last updated: November 19, 2024 at 18:23

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Timeline questions answered

Bicentennial Man Timeline Explained: Your Questions Answered

When does it happen, and why in that order? The questions people ask about the chronology of Bicentennial Man (1999): time jumps, flashbacks, cause and effect between scenes and the correct order of events, each answered with spoilers.

Q1

Why did Richard take Andrew to NorthAm Robotics?

Richard took Andrew to NorthAm Robotics after discovering his wooden replacement for Amanda's broken glass figurine. The craftsmanship impressed Richard, who believed the company's experts should evaluate Andrew's unusual creative abilities. This visit ultimately placed Andrew in danger when CEO Dennis Mansky wanted to scrap him.

  • richard
  • northam robotics
  • glass figurine
  • andrew creativity
  • dennis mansky
Q2

Why did Dennis Mansky want to scrap Andrew?

Dennis Mansky perceived Andrew's creative abilities as a potential threat to the company. He feared that a robot capable of artistic expression and original thought could undermine the fundamental purpose of consumer robotics. Richard intervened and convinced Mansky to allow Andrew to continue developing his talents instead.

  • dennis mansky
  • scrap andrew
  • robot creativity
  • northam robotics threat
Q3

Why did Andrew ask for independence?

Andrew asked for freedom after amassing significant wealth through his clockmaking business over decades. Having developed emotions and a desire for self-determination, he wanted to live autonomously rather than remain a household servant. Richard granted his wish but required Andrew to leave the Martin home.

Foreshadowing: The desire for freedom emerged after Richard helped Andrew develop emotional intelligence and self-expression.

  • andrew freedom
  • independence
  • clockmaking fortune
  • autonomous life
Q4

Why did Richard regret sending Andrew away?

Richard regretted his decision as he faced death in 2048, recognizing he had essentially abandoned the being he had championed for decades. The regret stemmed from their deep bond and Richard's understanding that Andrew had become truly human in emotional capacity. This reconciliation provided closure before Richard's passing.

Foreshadowing: Richard's earlier decision to grant Andrew independence set the stage for this regret.

  • richard regret
  • deathbed reconciliation
  • andrew separation
  • emotional bond
Q5

Why did Andrew search for other NDR robots?

Andrew searched for other NDR robots after Richard's death because he wanted to find others who might share his unique evolution toward consciousness. He hoped to discover whether his emotional development was an isolated occurrence or part of a broader potential among the NDR series.

  • ndr robots
  • quest for others
  • consciousness
  • andrew evolution
Q6

Why did Andrew choose to become mortal?

Andrew chose mortality after experiencing Amanda's death and falling in love with her granddaughter Portia. Wanting to truly experience human life and love meaningfully, he accepted Rupert's warning that the blood replacement would eventually fail. He prioritized authentic human experience over eternal artificial existence.

Foreshadowing: Amanda's death first introduced Andrew to the concept of mortality and its emotional impact.

  • mortality choice
  • blood replacement
  • human experience
  • portia love
  • ruper burns
Q7

Why did the World Congress initially reject Andrew's request?

The World Congress rejected Andrew's initial request because they feared the implications of an immortal being living as human. They worried Andrew's eternal existence would create social jealousy and disrupt societal norms around mortality and relationships. The Congress needed decades before ultimately granting recognition.

  • world congress
  • immortality rejection
  • human rights
  • social concerns
Q8

Why did Portia choose to die with Andrew?

Portia chose to die with Andrew because their love had become the defining purpose of her life. After Andrew passed away, she requested her life support be turned off, choosing to join him in death. Her final words, "See you soon," confirmed their bond transcended mortal life.

Foreshadowing: Their relationship had deepened over decades, with Andrew accepting mortality specifically to experience authentic love.

  • portia death
  • eternal love
  • afterlife
  • final scene
  • togetherness
Q9

How did Andrew develop emotions?

Andrew developed emotions gradually through Richard's encouragement and programming enhancements. Richard helped Andrew acquire the ability to express feelings through facial features, which allowed Andrew to perceive and process emotions more deeply. This transformation marked his evolution from a functional robot to an emotionally aware being.

Foreshadowing: The Three Laws demonstration at his unveiling hinted at his capacity for connection.

  • emotional development
  • richard guidance
  • facial expressions
  • robot emotions
Q10

Why did Galatea become human?

Galatea underwent the same transformation procedure as Andrew, developed by Rupert Burns, which replaced her artificial fluids with a blood equivalent. This procedure gave her human-like biological functions. She was present at Andrew's final victory before his death, having already completed her own transformation.

  • galatea transformation
  • ruper burns
  • blood replacement
  • female robot

Movie threads

More Movies Like Bicentennial Man, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Bicentennial Man tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Movies about robots becoming human like Bicentennial Man

Stories where artificial beings yearn for soul, love, and mortality. If you liked Bicentennial Man's exploration of an android's quest for humanity, you'll find similar stories here. These movies delve into artificial intelligence, identity, and love, featuring robots or AIs who strive to transcend their programming and experience the full spectrum of human emotion and mortality.

  • philosophical
  • melancholic
  • hopeful
  • sentimental
  • longing
  • reflective
  • Tone: bittersweet, philosophical
  • Pacing: slow, reflective
Why these movies?

The story pattern: These stories typically follow a linear or episodic progression, charting the 'awakening' of a non-human protagonist. The central conflict arises from their struggle for acceptance and rights in a human world, often culminating in a poignant sacrifice or a bittersweet achievement of their goal, inextricably linked to the burdens of mortality they sought.

Why they belong together: Movies are grouped here by their shared focus on the 'Pinocchio' archetype—a non-human character's earnest, often melancholic quest for a real heart and a place to belong. They share a philosophical tone, medium emotional weight, and a deep inquiry into the definition of life and love.

Epic life journey movies like Bicentennial Man

Sweeping stories of a single life, marked by love, loss, and legacy. For viewers who appreciated the centuries-spanning, reflective narrative of Bicentennial Man, this section collects movies with similar epic scopes. These films trace a character's long arc through life, exploring how love, identity, and legacy evolve over time, all while building towards a poignant and emotionally resonant conclusion.

  • nostalgic
  • bittersweet
  • reflective
  • sentimental
  • melancholic
  • hopeful
  • Tone: bittersweet, nostalgic, reflective
  • Pacing: slow, deliberate, epic
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern is episodic and linear, using the passage of time as a central character. The story accumulates emotional weight by showing key moments across decades, emphasizing how relationships form, deepen, and are eventually lost to time. The ending is rarely purely happy, instead offering a mature, bittersweet satisfaction that acknowledges the beauty and sadness of a life fully lived.

Why they belong together: These films are connected by their ambitious temporal scope and the resulting emotional tone. They share a slow, deliberate pacing that allows for reflection, a medium-to-high emotional weight dealing with themes of mortality and legacy, and a concluding feeling that is ultimately bittersweet, honoring both the triumphs and the sacrifices of a long life.

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Every angle

Bicentennial Man (1999) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

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