Controversy Surrounds Use of AI in Brady Corbet’s “The Brutalist”

As awards season approaches, Brady Corbet’s film “The Brutalist” is generating buzz not only for its artistic merits but also for its controversial use of artificial intelligence (AI) in post-production. The revelation came from editor Dávid Jancsó, who discussed the film’s innovative techniques during an interview with Red Shark News. While the film has gained acclaim for its detailed craftsmanship, the incorporation of AI tools has sparked a significant backlash on social media.

The Role of AI in “The Brutalist”

In the interview, Jancsó explained how AI was utilized to enhance the authenticity of the Hungarian dialogue spoken by stars Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones. He remarked, “I am a native Hungarian speaker and I know that it is one of the most difficult languages to learn to pronounce.” This necessity stemmed from the unique complexity of the Hungarian language, which posed challenges for even well-trained actors.

To address these challenges, the filmmakers first tried using Automated Dialogue Replacement (ADR) to capture the difficult words. “Then we tried to ADR them completely with other actors but that just didn’t work. So we looked for other options of how to enhance it,” Jancsó noted. The solution came in the form of AI software developed by Respeecher, a Ukrainian company.

How AI Was Applied

Brody and Jones recorded their voices into the AI system, which Jancsó complemented by inputting his own voice to help refine the dialect. “Most of their Hungarian dialogue has a part of me talking in there,” he affirmed. According to him, the AI was primarily used to adjust specific letters, retaining the actors’ original performances while improving the pronunciation.

Additionally, AI played a critical role in the film’s final sequence, where it was employed to generate a series of architectural drawings and finished constructions that reflect the character László Tóth, portrayed by Brody. This blending of human artistry with AI-driven innovation has led to an artistic product praised for its professionalism.

Backlash and Criticism

Despite Jancsó’s attempts to clarify the use of AI, social media users reacted negatively to the news. Some commentators pointed out perceived inconsistencies in industry standards, especially regarding the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS). A notable example concerned the exclusion of Hans Zimmer’s score for “Dune: Part Two,” which was disqualified for similar reasons. Critics voiced concerns about the application of AI in a field that traditionally values human creativity and effort.

Social media sentiments ranged from expressing dismay over potential job losses for visual artists to questioning the fundamental role of an actor’s accent. One user labeled the choice to employ AI in this manner a “disgrace,” arguing that it undermines the essence of acting.

The Conversation on AI in Filmmaking

Acknowledging the controversy surrounding AI, Jancsó emphasized that there should be open dialogues regarding the technology’s role in filmmaking. He insisted that AI tools do not detract from creative efforts but rather streamline processes, especially for independent projects with constrained budgets. He stated, “There’s nothing in the film using AI that hasn’t been done before. It just makes the process a lot faster.”

Jancsó’s hope is to foster discussions about how AI can be a valuable addition to the filmmaking toolkit rather than a replacement for traditional artistry. As new technologies continue to emerge, the movie industry is challenged to balance innovation with the preservation of human skills.

Future Implications for AI in the Film Industry

The tumult surrounding “The Brutalist” raises important questions about the future of AI in film production. As filmmakers explore the contours of this technology, it is vital for industry stakeholders to address ethical considerations and the potential repercussions on jobs and artistic integrity. The debate may redefine standards in film creation, prompting an evolution in both production techniques and audience expectations.

As awards season continues, the discourse around AI’s influence in cinema will likely intensify. Regardless of the outcome for “The Brutalist,” its release has spotlighted the need for a clear framework governing AI’s use in the arts, urging filmmakers, critics, and audiences alike to consider its implications moving forward.

Key Takeaways

• “The Brutalist” employs AI to enhance dialogues and create architectural visuals, igniting a significant debate about technology in filmmaking.
• The editor’s explanation highlights the challenges actors face with complex dialogue and argues that AI streamlines production processes.
• Criticism on social media reflects broader concerns regarding the impact of AI on artistry and job security in the film industry.
• Jancsó advocates for open discussions about the application and potential of AI, emphasizing the need for a balance between innovation and tradition.

The interplay of technology and creativity raises pivotal questions about the future landscape of cinema and what it means to be an artist in an increasingly automated world.