Producer of Oscar-Winning Film ‘The Brutalist’ Defends AI Use Amid Controversy

Producer of Oscar-Winning Film ‘The Brutalist’ Defends AI Use Amid Controversy

A producer of the acclaimed film ‘The Brutalist’, which recently won an Oscar, has publicly defended the film’s integration of artificial intelligence technology. D.J. Gugenheim, one of the film’s producers, addressed criticism surrounding AI usage in the industry during the Oscar ceremony.

In an interview with Deadline, Gugenheim articulated that AI is merely a tool for filmmakers. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the expertise of the actors and creative team.

He stated, “When you are in post production, numerous tools contribute to the filmmaking process, such as lighting and sound. These are all different aspects of manipulating numbers.” Gugenheim strongly believes the film industry should trust its talent to create compelling narratives and productions. He added, “As long as AI does not lead to job losses, and we are creating the best possible product, using AI enhances our process.”

The Implications of AI in Film Production

Gugenheim further elaborated on the potential downsides of AI, noting the pitfall occurs when it displaces human jobs. His concerns align with a growing discourse on AI’s impact across multiple sectors.

Gugenheim asserted that the production team was transparent about their use of AI in ‘The Brutalist’. He pointed out that the film’s editor proactively discussed AI’s role in crafting the project.

Dávid Jancsó, the film’s sound engineer, revealed to Red Shark News how AI technology, specifically from the Ukrainian firm Respeecher, helped enhance Hungarian dialogue for lead actors Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones. Both stars received critical acclaim for their performances, with Brody winning the Oscar for Best Actor.

Jancsó, who is a native Hungarian speaker, shared his insights on the intricacies of the language, stating, “Hungarian is notoriously difficult to master. We guided Brody and Jones throughout their work, and they performed admirably. However, we employed AI to ensure perfection, making it indistinguishable for even native speakers.”

How AI Enhanced Language Authenticity

In the production process, Brody and Jones recorded their voices using the AI software, with Jancsó adding his vocal expertise for certain dialects. Additionally, AI technology was employed in the film’s closing sequence to generate architectural visuals that reflect Brody’s character, an architect.

This revelation sparked debate surrounding the ethical use of AI in filmmaking. Many industry commentators have called for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to set strict guidelines regarding AI disclosure in future nominations.

Gugenheim welcomed the discussion, expressing, “Questions are being raised, and the Academy’s interest in AI usage is a positive sign. AI should not replace jobs, and it is important for filmmakers to communicate its role clearly.”

Other Voices on AI in ‘The Brutalist’

Director Brady Corbet also addressed the complexities surrounding AI in a statement to Variety after Jancsó’s remarks. He highlighted the authenticity of Brody and Jones’s acting, noting their significant efforts with dialect coach Tanera Marshall. Corbet explained that the AI technology was exclusively used to enhance Hungarian dialogue, with no alterations made to English dialogue. This process was meticulously executed to ensure the integrity of their performances remained intact.

Corbet further clarified that no AI was used in the architectural designs created for the film. He noted, “All images were meticulously hand-drawn by our talented artists. Any images that appeared digitally rendered in a background memorial video were intentionally crafted to mimic outdated digital technology from the 1980s.”

Wider AI Usage in Academy Nominated Films

‘The Brutalist’ is not alone in navigating the complexities of AI in cinema this awards season. Another nominated film, ‘Emilia Perez’, reportedly utilized AI to enhance the vocal capabilities of lead actress Karla Sofia Gascon. This revelation was shared by re-recording mixer Cyril Holtz during a Cannes interview.

Additionally, ‘Dune: Part Two’ integrated AI in its portrayal of Fremen characters, utilizing machine learning to refine nuances in visual articulation.

Production notes for ‘Dune’ illustrated their sophisticated approach, where Visual Effects Supervisor Paul Lambert described developing a machine-learning model to identify human eyes in frames. This innovative method proves how AI can complement traditional filmmaking techniques.

In a separate instance, the Bob Dylan biopic ‘A Complete Unknown’ included AI technology but only minimally affected three non-performance shots involving a motorcycle.

The Future of AI in Filmmaking

This ongoing discourse about AI’s role in Hollywood reflects broader societal questions regarding technology’s influence in creative arts. Filmmakers and audiences alike are pondering how AI should be ethically incorporated into industry practices without sacrificing the essence of storytelling.

As the debate continues, it remains clear that AI’s presence in filmmaking has sparked significant conversations that could shape the future landscape of the entertainment industry. The commitment to creativity, actor authenticity, and respect for artistic craft must remain at the forefront of these discussions.

With the rapid evolution of technology, the intersection of filmmaking and artificial intelligence will undoubtedly necessitate ongoing evaluation and dialogue to balance innovation with tradition, allowing for a dynamic yet respectful filmmaking environment.