“The Brutalist,” a film starring Adrien Brody, has sparked controversy over its use of AI technology just ahead of the 97th Academy Awards.
The debate began when editor Dávid Jancsó revealed in an interview that AI tools had been incorporated into the film. Jancsó disclosed that Respeecher, a vocal AI program, was used to refine Brody’s Hungarian accent, while MidJourney helped conceptualize building designs for a pivotal sequence. Although these designs were later redrawn by an artist, the use of AI in this creative process has raised concerns about the potential diminishing role of human artistry in filmmaking.
Critics argue that this practice blurs the line between technological assistance and replacing traditional artistic methods. The controversy mirrors similar issues seen in other projects, such as Selena Gomez’s AI-assisted vocals in “Emilia Perez,” which faced criticism for lacking emotional depth.
With Brody and the film now considered strong contenders for the Oscars, the controversy over AI could influence their chances. Some industry insiders are questioning whether AI tools should be seen as “performance-enhancing” and whether this could impact Brody’s portrayal of a Holocaust survivor and architect.
The timing of Jancsó’s revelations, during the height of awards season, has led to speculation about possible strategic motives, especially regarding Brody’s competition.
As Hollywood wrestles with the ethical challenges of incorporating AI in filmmaking, “The Brutalist” finds itself at the center of a larger debate on how to balance technological innovation with the artistry of film. Whether this controversy will affect the film’s Oscar prospects remains uncertain.
