David Cronenberg Responds to Controversy Surrounding ‘The Brutalist’ AI
David Cronenberg Defends The Brutalist Amid AI Controversy
Background on the Controversy
Recently, the film The Brutalist faced scrutiny due to its use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the editing process, particularly regarding actor Adrien Brody’s accent. In light of this controversy, renowned director David Cronenberg stepped forward to defend the film and its creative decisions. During a discussion with his longtime collaborator Howard Shore at the London Soundtrack Festival, Cronenberg suggested that there may be a targeted campaign against the film, noting that AI utilization in filmmaking is not uncommon.
Cronenberg’s Perspective
During his talk, Cronenberg mentioned a significant issue surrounding The Brutalist. He revealed his belief that there was a deliberate movement against the film, drawing parallels to past controversies in Hollywood. “I must confess, there was a scandal [with] The Brutalist,” Cronenberg commented. He highlighted that the film had utilized AI to refine Brody’s accent, suggesting that competitive dynamics among Oscar nominees may have fueled the backlash.
Moving Voices in Cinema
Cronenberg emphasized that altering an actor’s voice is a regular practice in the industry. He referenced his own work in the 1993 film M. Butterfly, where he modified actor John Lone’s voice to align with the character’s identity. “When he was being this character, this singer, I raised the pitch of his voice and when he’s revealed as a man, I lowered it to his natural voice,” he explained, reiterating that manipulating audio elements is a standard procedure in filmmaking.
Insights from the Film’s Editor
Dávid Jancsó, the editor of The Brutalist, disclosed that AI tools from the Ukrainian firm Respeecher were employed to enhance the Hungarian dialogue of the film. As a native Hungarian speaker, Jancsó highlighted the complexities of accurately pronouncing the language, describing it as one of the most challenging languages to master for non-native speakers.
Jancsó remarked on the importance of discussing AI in the film industry. He stated, “It is controversial in the industry to talk about AI, but it shouldn’t be. We should have a very open discussion about the tools AI can provide us.” According to him, the use of AI in this context was simply a means to expedite processes that would normally require more resources or time.
Clarification from the Film’s Team
In response to the backlash about the AI usage, director Brady Corbet clarified that the performances of Adrien Brody and his co-star Felicity Jones were authentic and not artificially altered. He noted that they worked extensively with dialect coach Tanera Marshall to master their accents. The innovative technology from Respeecher was specifically used to enhance the Hungarian language dialogue, aiming to refine specific vowels and consonants for accuracy rather than altering the actors’ performances.
Corbet emphasized, “No English language was changed. This was a manual process, done by our sound team and Respeecher in post-production.” The intention behind using AI was to preserve the authenticity of their performances while ensuring they conveyed the dialogue accurately in another language.
The Role of AI in Modern Filmmaking
The conversation about AI’s role in filmmaking reflects broader discussions in various industries about the integration of technology. While AI can raise ethical questions and concerns about authenticity, it also provides opportunities for filmmakers to achieve greater precision and efficiency. As productions often face budgetary and time constraints, AI can offer creative solutions that enhance storytelling without compromising artistic intent.
Final Notes
As The Brutalist continues to navigate the complexities of industry discourse around AI, the perspectives of filmmakers like Cronenberg, Jancsó, and Corbet illustrate a nuanced understanding of the challenges and possibilities that modern technology brings to cinema. By engaging in open conversations about the use of AI, the film industry can embrace innovation while respecting the craft of filmmaking.
