Real Steel reimagined the world of boxing by presenting a future in which human boxers have been replaced by robots. The movie depicted the integration of computing into human entertainment and sports. In turn, emphasizing the ethical questions regarding human-machine relationships.
However, Director Shawn Levy had no intention with emphasizing any computing related conclusions. His intent was to focus on Max & Charlie, and their story as the movie progressed. The robot boxing aspect makes the movie exciting, in an attempt to create an allure like that of Rocky 1976. Shawn said in an interview from 2011, that he continuously reminded himself, "No matter how complex the visual effects were, the robots were, that is was about the people. people first, people first" [1]. The use of robots and other advanced computing technologies primarily serve as a backdrop.Â
References:
REAL STEEL: Video Interview with Director Shawn Levy, https://youtu.be/qjp_Lgyoav4?si=-qEs2PE3fCy7MxbS