David Fincher on the Use of AI in Restoring ‘Se7en’: A Contemporary Take on a Classic

The world of filmmaking is constantly evolving, and with it, the tools that directors utilize to enhance and preserve their cinematic masterpieces. Director David Fincher has taken a noteworthy step into the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) while working on the 4K restoration of his classic 1995 film ‘Se7en.’ As the film celebrates its 30th anniversary, Fincher explains how AI has played a crucial role in this restoration process and shares his perspective on the nuances of using technology in filmmaking.

A Transformative Restoration Journey

In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Fincher unveiled the intricate process behind restoring ‘Se7en’ for modern audiences. This marks the third time he has digitally reworked the film—first for its DVD release in 1998, and again for high-definition formats. However, this latest venture has proven to be more complex than initial expectations. Fincher remarked that restoring a 30-year-old negative requires an enormous amount of effort to fix various imperfections like digs, scratches, and other issues stemming from time and storage conditions.

‘We devoted a good couple of months just to bring the film back to what I would consider a negative,’ Fincher said, indicating the labor-intensive nature of the project. Once the groundwork was laid, the restoration team used AI tools to refine the visual quality of the film.

The Role of AI in Film Restoration

Fincher detailed how AI technology was employed to sharpen the film’s image, enabling the restoration team to rediscover the original vision of ‘Se7en.’ The goal was to recreate the film’s initial viewing experience from the first check print seen by the team three decades ago. The director emphasized the importance of maintaining the artistic intent behind the film while using modern tools for enhancement.

“We were really trying to get back to that first check print… that’s the contrast, density, and colors,” Fincher explained. This meticulous approach involved rekindling memories of the look and feel of the original release, while also benefiting from advancements in technology.

Enhancing Iconic Scenes

One of the significant challenges Fincher encountered was improving a scene featuring Kevin Spacey’s character in the backseat of a police car, which had previously suffered from visual issues due to camera limitations. The director noted, “We were able to use AI to make mattes and extract the performance that was in the backseat and render it.” While the scene remains somewhat soft, the enhancements were substantial enough to create a more polished viewing experience.

Fincher also mentioned how AI facilitated fixes for a specific shot where the camera operator had inadvertently missed critical data. By recreating segments of the character’s shoulder and the play of light on the leather, Fincher was able to composite the footage seamlessly. ‘It’s a lot of little stuff that gives you a few extra looks,’ he said, highlighting the value that AI can add to fine-tuning cinematic presentations.

Balancing Technology and Artistic Vision

Despite the benefits that AI offers in restoration, Fincher remains cautious about its future implications in filmmaking. In his view, the conversation surrounding generative AI isn’t simply about being ‘for’ or ‘against’ its use. Instead, he argues that the effectiveness of the technology depends on how it is applied in specific contexts.

“Look, you give me a powerful tool to do X, Y, and Z, I may not be interested in Y and Z, but if I can use it for the sake of X— all tools that do what they say are good tools,” said Fincher. However, he has expressed skepticism about AI’s capabilities in other applications, such as AI cinematography, describing some attempts as appearing cheap or subpar in quality.

Audience Sensitivities and Industry Reactions

As AI becomes increasingly integrated into film restoration and production, audience reactions can vary widely. Fans of classic television shows like ‘I Love Lucy’ have shown discontent when it was reported that a recent Blu-ray release opted not to use AI for enhancements. This highlights a broader concern about how audiences perceive AI’s role in preserving beloved older works.

Fincher is not blind to these sensitivities; however, he maintains that well-executed AI applications should not be dismissed outright. The technology has advanced significantly, offering promising enhancements without overshadowing the essence of the original works.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Film Restoration

The restored version of ‘Se7en’ is set to hit IMAX theaters, beginning January 3, and is scheduled for a 4K Blu-ray release on January 7. As viewers prepare to re-experience this iconic thriller, the melding of traditional filmmaking and modern technology opens a new chapter in the preservation of cinematic history.

In conclusion, David Fincher’s experience with AI in the restoration of ‘Se7en’ underscores the balance between innovative technology and preserving artistic integrity. As filmmakers continue to explore the potential of AI, the industry will likely engage in ongoing discussions regarding the role of such tools in the creative process. For now, audiences can look forward to enjoying an enhanced version of a classic that has stood the test of time.

Key Takeaways:

• David Fincher utilized AI to restore the 4K version of ‘Se7en’ in a labor-intensive project.
• AI tools were essential in refining visual elements while keeping the original artistic intent intact.
• The conversation around AI in filmmaking remains complex, with both positive applications and audience sensitivities to consider.
• The enhanced ‘Se7en’ will be released in theaters and on Blu-ray shortly, promising a fresh experience of the classic film.