The Brutalist: Artistic Innovation or Ethical Crossroads?
Brady Corbet’s upcoming film, “The Brutalist,” is generating buzz for its meticulous cinematic style. However,it’s also sparking fierce debate about the use of artificial intelligence in filmmaking. The controversy stems from the editor, Dávid Jancsó, revealing that AI tools from Ukrainian software company Respeecher were employed to enhance the authenticity of the Hungarian dialog delivered by stars Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones.
“I am a native Hungarian speaker and I know that it is one of the most difficult languages to learn to pronounce,” Jancsó explained to Red Shark News. “It’s an extremely unique language. We coached [Brody and Jones] and they did a fabulous job but we also wanted to perfect it so that not even locals will spot any difference.”
Jancsó detailed the filmmaking process,explaining that they initially tried additional dialogue recording (ADR) with the actors,even using different actors to voice certain lines. However, neither approach yielded the desired results. This led them to explore the potential of AI as a solution to refine the challenging aspects of the Hungarian language.
Brody and Jones recorded their voices into the AI software, while Jancsó also added his own voice to “finesse the tricky dialect.” As he revealed, “Most of their Hungarian dialogue has a part of me talking in there. We were very careful about keeping their performances. It’s mainly just replacing letters here and there.”
The use of AI wasn’t limited to dialogue. Jancsó also disclosed that generative AI was integrated into the film’s final sequence to create architectural drawings and buildings in the style of brody’s character, László Tóth.
Despite the editor’s explanations and the seemingly limited submission of AI, the news received backlash online. Critics questioned the ethical implications of employing AI to manipulate actors’ accents,a fundamental aspect of their craft. Some users drew parallels to the recent disqualification of Hans Zimmer’s ”Dune: Part Two” score from the Oscars for utilizing elements from the previous “Dune” installment, highlighting the perceived inconsistency in the distribution of creative codes of conduct.
Jancsó acknowledged the controversy surrounding AI in filmmaking, stating, “We should be having a very open discussion about what tools AI can provide us with. There’s nothing in the film using AI that hasn’t been done before. It just makes the process a lot faster. We use AI to create these tiny little details that we didn’t have the money or the time to shoot.”
“The Brutalist” showcases the intricate dialogue between artistic ambition and technological advancement. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into filmmaking, the industry must grapple with the ethical and artistic implications of these innovations, ensuring that the human element remains at the heart of storytelling.
What are the ethical concerns raised against “The Brutalist”?
Archyde Exclusive: An Interview with Director Brady Corbet on ‘The Brutalist’
Archyde: Hello, Mr. Corbet, thank you for taking the time to speak with us today.Your upcoming film, “The Brutalist,” is causing quiet a stir in the film community. Can you tell our readers a bit about the movie?
Brady Corbet: Thank you for having me. “The Brutalist” is a film that explores the darker side of human nature, wrapped in a meticulously crafted cinematic style. It’s a brutalist piece in every sense – the architecture, the narrative, the themes, and even the visuals. The film follows a group of characters who, while isolated in a brutalist structure, are forced to confront their deepest fears and desires.
Archyde: The term ’brutalist’ has very specific connotations. What led you to choose this aesthetic and thematic focus for your film?
Brady Corbet: I’ve always been fascinated by brutalist architecture and its influence on societal structures. Brutalism, with its raw, unadorned forms, often serves as a mirror to our collective ethical dilemmas, political struggles, and existential crises.I felt that this aesthetic could be a powerful tool to explore complex themes like power dynamics, isolation, and morality in a way that’s both visceral and thought-provoking.
archyde: The film has been praised for its stylistic choices, but some have raised ethical concerns about the content. How do you respond to those who argue that ‘The Brutalist’ crosses ethical lines?
Brady Corbet: Art has always been a vessel for challenging societal norms and pushing boundaries. I understand that the film’s graphic nature and exploration of dark themes might potentially be triggering for some, but I firmly believe that these are conversations we need to have. I’m not here toCreated to sugarcoat or glorify violence or any of the other challenging themes present in the film. Rather, I’m aiming to shine a light on the darker aspects of humanity that we frequently enough shy away from, and to spark meaningful discourse around these topics. With that in mind, viewer discretion is certainly advised, and the film comes with a rating that reflects its content.
Archyde: Your previous works, such as “The Childhood of a Leader” and “Vinyan,” also explored complex and frequently enough disturbing themes. What draws you to such challenging subject matter?
Brady Corbet: I’ve always been intrigued by the duality of human nature – the constant struggle between our light and dark aspects.I believe that by exploring these complexities through storytelling, we can better understand ourselves and the world around us. Additionally, I find that these challenging themes frequently enough provide fertile ground for creative exploration and innovation in cinema.
Archyde: Looking ahead, what’s next for you after ‘The Brutalist’?
Brady Corbet: I’m currently developing a few projects, including a small-scale, intimate drama that’s a departure from the large-scale, ambitious nature of “The Brutalist.” It’s always important for me to shift gears and challenge myself with each new film. But nonetheless of the scale or the subject matter, I remain committed to pushing the boundaries of what a story can be and leaving room for audiences to interpret and engage with my films on their own terms.
archyde: We appreciate your time, Mr. corbet, and look forward to discussing your future work. “The Brutalist” is sure to be a memorable addition to your filmography.
Brady Corbet: Thank you for the possibility to discuss the film. I’m eager for audiences to experience “The Brutalist” and contribute to the conversation around its themes and aesthetic choices.
The Brutalist, directed by Brady Corbet, is set to release later this year. Viewer discretion is advised.
Interview conducted by Archys, News Editor, archyde
