‘The Brutalist’ reignites debate over AI’s role in Hollywood

[KENNEDY FELTON]

AI continues to influence everything in Hollywood from the studio of a music artist to the writer’s room. Now, “The Brutalist” is re-igniting the debate of the use of AI in filmmaking.

“THE BRUTALIST” IS AN EPIC DRAMA ABOUT A HUNGARIAN JEWISH HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR WHO IMMIGRATED TO THE UNITED STATES IN 1947. IT’S GARNERED MULTIPLE ACCOLADES… INCLUDING BEST DRAMA MOTION PICTURE AND BEST DIRECTOR MOTION PICTURE AT THIS YEAR’S GOLDEN GLOBES.

But some feel the film should lose the award buzz it’s been receiving. A film editor for ‘The Brutalist’ tells Red Shark News that AI tools were used in post-production to enhance the Hungarian accents of actors Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones. In order for the film to sound as accurate to the native speaker as possible, they used Ukrainian AI tool “Respeecher.”

Brody and Jones fed their original voices through the AI model, which then made adjustments to enhance specific letters.

“I am a native Hungarian speaker and I know that it is one of the most difficult languages to learn to pronounce. Even with Adrien’s Hungarian background – it’s not that simple. It’s an extremely unique language.” – Dávid Jancsó, Film Editor

One social media user sparked conversations saying the film should lose the academy buzz it’s getting, considering critics say AI takes away from the authenticity of performances.

“No English language was changed… The aim was to preserve the authenticity of Adrien and Felicity’s performances in another language, not to replace or alter them and done with the utmost respect for the craft.” – Brady Corbet, Director

Just as Respeecher was used to enhance accents in “The Brutalist,” the company has also worked on recreating the iconic voice of Darth Vader in the “Obi-Wan Kenobi” series.

James Earl Jones – the voice behind the villain – stepped away from the role due to his voice changing with age. But prior to his passing, Jones signed an agreement with Respeecher and Disney signing over the rights to his voice for Darth Vader. This would allow his voice to still be used in the Star Wars franchise.

“NO, I AM YOUR FATHER.”

The technology is being used more widely in Hollywood, with many studios turning to AI for tasks ranging from voice modulation to visual effects.

Some argue it could be a game changer in both post-production and future productions. However, critics and industry professionals have been voicing concerns for some time about AI replacing human talent and creativity.