The Use of AI in Filmmaking: A Controversial Debate
The Brutalist: A Film at the Center of the Controversy
Brady Corbet’s period drama The Brutalist was highly anticipated by film and architecture fans alike, bringing the promise of a powerful tale inspired by history and heritage. Since its release, the film has been criticized for its use of AI augmentation, and while the director defends its usage, it calls forth an important ethical debate about the use of AI in filmmaking.
AI in Filmmaking: A Growing Concern
It’s no secret that AI productivity tools are becoming widely used across all industries, yet in creative sectors, AI remains a highly controversial topic. While The Brutalist’s integration of AI technology is a notable example, critics fear that it may be the tip of the iceberg, ushering in a new era of synthetic AI embellishment.
The Film’s Use of AI
In an enlightening interview with Red Shark News, editor Dávid Jancsó discusses the film’s "subtle and sensitive use of AI," including voice editing and specific background drawings. To refine the Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones’ Hungarian dialect, the team used AI technology from Respeecher, making tweaks to vocal sounds and intonations to maximize authenticity.
Criticism and Controversy
A series of architectural drawings created in the style of the fictional architect was created using Gen AI, a detail that some fans strongly criticized. "They used AI in The Brutalist not only to avoid paying visual artists for their work but also to manipulate the actors’ accents, a fundamental aspect of… acting. This is a disgrace," one user claimed. "The use of generative AI visuals honestly feels like it spits in the face of the themes of a movie about art and architecture and the human condition," another added.
The Director’s Defense
Despite heated critique, director Brady Corbet defended the film’s use of AI, responding in a statement to Variety, "The aim was to preserve the authenticity of Adrien and Felicity’s performances in another language, not to replace or alter them, and done with the utmost respect for the craft." Regarding the AI imagery, Corbet says: “Judy Becker and her team did not use AI to create or render any of the buildings. All images were hand-drawn by artists. To clarify, in the memorial video featured in the background of a shot, our editorial team created pictures intentionally designed to look like poor digital renderings circa 1980.”
Conclusion
Whether or not you agree with The Brutalist’s use of AI, the irony of its use in a film centered around human artistry is hard to ignore. While the film’s AI use was arguably considered and sparse, in the wake of SAG-AFTRA strikes and open letters protesting ‘unethical’ AI usage, it seems there will always be uncomfortable tension around the future of AI in filmmaking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of using AI in filmmaking?
A: The purpose of using AI in filmmaking is to enhance the creative process, improve efficiency, and create new possibilities for storytelling.
Q: Is the use of AI in The Brutalist unique?
A: No, the use of AI in The Brutalist is not unique. Many films have utilized AI tools, including Respeecher, to achieve specific effects.
Q: Is the use of AI in The Brutalist ethical?
A: The use of AI in The Brutalist has been criticized for its potential to manipulate the actors’ performances and the use of generative AI visuals. Whether or not this is ethical is a matter of debate.
