Guillermo del Toro Blasts AI: ‘It Can Do Semi-Compelling Screensavers’

Guillermo del Toro Blasts AI: 'It Can Do Semi-Compelling Screensavers'

As a seasoned film enthusiast who has spent countless hours in darkened theaters, I wholeheartedly stand with Guillermo del Toro in his passionate rejection of AI in the filmmaking industry. With over three decades of immersing myself in the magical world of cinema, I’ve witnessed firsthand how art is not just about the technical aspects but the emotional connection it forges between storyteller and audience.


As a passionate movie critic, I find myself standing firm alongside Guillermo del Toro, who recently expressed his strong objections to the integration of AI in the cinematic realm. During his captivating speech at the BFI London Film Festival, he openly criticized generative artificial intelligence, labeling it as devoid of emotion and fundamentally inhuman. His ardor for traditional stop-motion animation is evident, and I can’t help but echo his sentiments.

Guillermo del Toro, like some other prominent Hollywood directors, is vocal about his criticism of AI. Yesterday, during a talk at the British Film Institute, he bluntly expressed his view on AI, saying, “AI may create semi-interesting screensavers, but that’s pretty much it. The worth of art isn’t determined by its price or the ease with which it’s made; it lies in the risks one is willing to take to be near it.” A brief snippet of his critical remarks can be seen in the video below:

This intense condemnation comes on the heals of SAG-AFTRA’s tireless attempts to establish protections against AI for actors in the industry. Current SAG-AFTRA bills have been addressing recent behavior among corporations such as Disney where actors’ images, voices, and movements are co-opted with the intent of replicating them for future content without the actors’ consent, and typically without offering compensation. Although del Toro’s dislike for AI might simply be perceived as an artistic difference of opinions, there are genuine consequences for actors when corporations and industries continue to promote the use of AI, which may be why del Toro is so outspoken against it.

What Can AI Do That Filmmakers Can’t?

Guillermo del Toro Blasts AI: 'It Can Do Semi-Compelling Screensavers'Guillermo del Toro Blasts AI: 'It Can Do Semi-Compelling Screensavers'Guillermo del Toro Blasts AI: 'It Can Do Semi-Compelling Screensavers'Guillermo del Toro Blasts AI: 'It Can Do Semi-Compelling Screensavers'

One criticism leveled against AI by filmmaker Guillermo del Toro is that it lacks the ability to evoke emotional responses in viewers, often resulting in shallow, emotionally detached art. On the other hand, supporters of AI argue that its unique technological capabilities allow for the creation of imaginative settings, outlandish character designs, and costumes beyond human limits. In a similar vein, director Christopher Nolan has proposed that AI could be employed to remove safety equipment like wires during risky stunts in film production.

As a cinephile, I’ve always marveled at Guillermo del Toro’s filmmaking brilliance and it just goes to show that AI might not be indispensable in the realm of entertainment. Films like “Pan’s Labyrinth” breathed life into a mesmerizing fairy tale world using animatronics, makeup, and practical effects, while “Pacific Rim” crafted an enthralling sci-fi universe with a colossal monster entirely through visual and special effects. Granted, these techniques can be costly and labor-intensive, often involving the collaboration of animators who are union members. However, their unique charm and authenticity, which can’t be easily reproduced even with the seemingly efficient shortcuts offered by generative AI, make them truly incomparable.

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2024-09-19 17:31