The film ‘The Brutalist’ has emerged as a major player this awards season, clocking in at an ambitious three and a half hours and exploring the depths of human creativity.
Yet, it is not the narrative that has captured headlines, but its controversial use of artificial intelligence for voice editing.
The Story Behind ‘The Brutalist’
Helmed by director Brady Corbet, the film tells the story of László Tóth, a Hungarian Jew embodied by Adrien Brody, who flees the Nazi regime to carve out an architectural legacy in America.
His wife, Erzsébet, portrayed by Felicity Jones, eventually finds her way back to him.
Their relationship is woven throughout the film, with both characters often speaking in Hungarian.
This linguistic aspect has come under fire due to the incorporation of AI in crafting their dialogue.
The Role of AI in Film Production
A native Hungarian speaker, Jancsó intimately understands the challenges of accurately capturing the nuances of the language.
This complexity is not easily overcome, even for Brody, who has connections to the Hungarian community through his mother, a refugee.
While the production team invested significant resources in coaching both lead actors on their Hungarian lines, they ultimately decided to use the AI tool Respeecher to fine-tune specific pronunciations, aiming for greater authenticity in the dialogue.
This decision highlights the ways in which contemporary filmmaking adapts to linguistic hurdles and budget limitations, utilizing advancements like natural language processing (NLP).
Broader Conversations on Technology and Art
As the discussion continues to unfold, it raises essential questions about the intersection of technology and art.
In an era where AI is increasingly influencing creative processes, the conversation about its implications in film is more pertinent than ever.
Source: Fastcompany