I, Robot: The Illustrated Screenplay

In "I, Robot: The Illustrated Screenplay," Isaac Asimov envisioned a film that could have been the first truly sophisticated and complex science fiction movie. Although this cinematic masterpiece was never realized, the screenplay remains a fascinating document—a vivid narrative that captures the essence of Asimov's legendary "Robots" stories, with the master's blessing. Set in 2076, the tale begins with the funeral of Stephen Byerley, the first president of the Galactic Federation. Among the mourners, journalist Robert Bratenahl spots the enigmatic Susan Calvin, a renowned robopsychologist who has shunned the public eye for two decades. Rumors of a secret relationship between these two exceptional figures persist, and driven by curiosity, Bratenahl embarks on a relentless quest for truth. His journey takes him to the farthest reaches of the galaxy in search of those who knew Calvin, as he strives to uncover the true nature of her bond with Byerley. Yet, as his investigation unfolds, Bratenahl stumbles upon a deeper enigma: the true identity of Stephen Byerley himself. Rich with intrigue and the timeless allure of artificial intelligence, this screenplay invites readers into a world where the line between human and machine blurs, raising questions as profound as the universe itself.