The use of artificial intelligence in filmmaking has sparked controversy as two major Oscar contenders, “The Brutalist” and “Emilia Pérez,” revealed their use of voice-cloning technology to enhance actors’ performances. In “The Brutalist,” AI was employed to perfect the Hungarian dialogue of lead actors Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones. Editor Dávid Jancsó acknowledged that traditional methods failed to produce the desired authenticity, leading to the use of Respeecher. This AI tool added individual sounds and letters to the actors’ Hungarian dialogue.
Director Brady Corbet defended using AI, emphasizing that it preserved Brody and Jones’s performances. “They worked with dialect coach Tanera Marshall for months to perfect their accents. Innovative Respeecher technology was used in Hungarian language dialogue editing only, precisely to refine certain vowels and letters for accuracy.
No English language was changed,” Corbet stated. Similarly, in “Emilia Pérez,” AI cloning was used to enhance the singing voice of Karla Sofía Gascón. Researcher technology blended Gascón’s singing with that of French pop star Camille to increase the range of Gascón’s vocal register.
AI-driven dialogue refinement controversy
The use of AI in these films has raised debates about the ethical implications of such practices. The recent strikes of actors and writers were partly driven by concerns over AI’s threat to the film, TV, and video game industries.
Film-maker Paul Schrader, who has been experimenting with AI, warned that it is not merely a technological advance but a disruptive force. The controversy escalated when it was reported that “The Brutalist” also used generative AI to create architectural drawings and buildings in the style of the fictional architect. This sparked outrage on social media, with many pledging to avoid the film, citing disappointment that technology might overshadow human creativity.
Emilia Pérez
Corbet rushed to explain that the dialogue adjustment was “a manual process” and that the production designer did not use AI to create or render any buildings. However, the controversy has opened up larger questions about the role of AI in film production, especially given studio executives’ interest in replacing actors with computer-generated doubles. As the Oscar nominations approach, the industry is keenly watching to see how AI’s role in filmmaking will influence voters’ decisions.
The threat of generative AI, mainly when it replaces human labor, is a real concern. As the use of AI in films becomes more prevalent, it is crucial to clarify the distinctions between different technologies and their implications for the future of filmmaking.
Noah Nguyen is a multi-talented developer who brings a unique perspective to his craft. Initially a creative writing professor, he turned to Dev work for the ability to work remotely. He now lives in Seattle, spending time hiking and drinking craft beer with his fiancee.
