Directors Guillermo del Toro and Tim Burton Have Two Different Views of AI
Oscar-winning directors Guillermo del Toro and Tim Burton have two very interesting takes on AI and its possible impacts. Though not opposite of each other, both directors have expressed views of the technology and reflect on its coming ascension in Hollywood.
In the case of Tim Burton, the Beetlejuice director expressed horror at how AI was able to imitate his style of filmmaking. While speaking with The Independent, the Oscar winner said, “I can’t describe the feeling it gives you. It reminded me of when other cultures say, ‘Don’t take my picture because it is taking away your soul.’”
He went on to also state he felt that AI wart was “very good,” but how AI can recreate art styles was something else. To him, it was a form of pain. “What it does is it sucks something from you. It takes something from your soul or psyche; that is very disturbing, especially if it has to do with you,…It’s like a robot taking your humanity, your soul.”
On the other hand, fellow Oscar winner Guillermo del Toro has a slightly different view of AI. While speaking his Keynote at the Toronto Film Festival, via The Hollywood Reporter, the director stated of AI, “People ask if I’m worried about artificial intelligence, I say I’m worried about natural stupidity. It’s just a tool, right?”
For del Toro, like with any tool, people are his concern instead of just AI. In his view, people will either use AI to cut corners in a bid to make content faster instead of right, or they will become even more creative with it. He went on to say during the keynote, “If anyone wants movies made by AI, let them get it immediately. I don’t care about people who want to be fulfilled and get something sh***y, quickly.”
Finally, on that topic, he pointed to printers. “Otherwise, why not buy a printer, print the Mona Lisa, and say you made it.” The comment makes sense. Printers can print copies of artwork yet it doesn’t mean anyone would confuse a printed copy with the original.
The conversation related to AI and Hollywood has been going on since even before the writer’s strike. Though it was a major concern of the current strike, actors and other artists have had mixed feelings about AI in Hollywood.
As reported over the last year, Mr. Burton isn’t the only person with strong feelings about AI. Actors in the industry are pretty divided depending on how AI is used in a movie with many like Keanu Reeves against it and others more agnostic.
If one thing is clear, the conversation will only continue to grow within entertainment and other industries as AI continues its rapid scale.
Originally posted on OpenDataScience.com
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