David Cronenberg Defends AI in Filmmaking: The Case of The Brutalist
David Cronenberg has come to the defense of The Brutalist, a film nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars, amid controversy surrounding its use of artificial intelligence (AI).
Controversial AI Usage
During a discussion at the London Soundtrack Festival with composer Howard Shore, Cronenberg reflected on what he described as a “campaign against” the film led by other Oscar contenders. He expressed his views on the integration of AI in cinema, stating that it is commonly utilized in various production aspects.
“I must confess, there was a scandal [with] The Brutalist… It’s very much a Harvey Weinstein kind of thing, though he wasn’t around,” said Cronenberg, referring to the dialogue enhancement involving actor Adrien Brody’s accent.
AI in Voice Enhancement
Cronenberg elaborated on standard practices in filmmaking, emphasizing that altering actor voices is not new. He cited his own experience with John Lone’s voice in the 1993 film M. Butterfly, where he adjusted the pitch depending on the character’s reveal.
Insights from the Film’s Editor
The film’s editor, Dávid Jancsó, explained that AI technology from the Ukrainian company, Respeecher, was employed to refine actors’ Hungarian dialogue, which he noted is particularly challenging to master. He addressed the controversies surrounding AI, advocating for open discussions about its potential benefits.
“It is controversial in the industry to talk about AI, but it shouldn’t be,” Jancsó remarked. “There’s nothing in the film using AI that hasn’t been done before. It just makes the process a lot faster.”
Clarification from the Film’s Director
Director Brady Corbet also provided clarification regarding the film’s vocal modifications. He remarked on the commitment shown by Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones in their performance preparation, which included months of work with a dialect coach. The AI technology was specifically utilized in post-production to refine certain aspects of their performances in Hungarian without altering the essence of their original acting.
“Adrien and Felicity’s performances are completely their own… The aim was to preserve the authenticity… not to replace or alter them,” Corbet stated.
Conclusion
As the film industry grapples with the implications of AI usage, Cronenberg and his colleagues continue to advocate for thoughtful integration of technology, emphasizing its role in enhancing the storytelling process.