"The Brutalist" Film Faces AI Backlash: Controversy, Industry Reactions, and Future Implications

The film "The Brutalist" has recently faced criticism for its use of artificial intelligence (AI) to modify the Hungarian accents of its lead actors, Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones. This controversy emerged following an interview with the film's editor, Dávid Jancsó, who revealed that AI tools were employed to enhance the actors' pronunciation in Hungarian dialogue. Jancsó, a native Hungarian speaker, explained that despite the actors' efforts and coaching, certain sounds remained challenging, leading to the decision to use AI for refinement.

Vulture

In response to the backlash, director Brady Corbet clarified that the AI technology was utilized solely to adjust specific vowels and letters in the Hungarian dialogue, ensuring accuracy without altering the essence of the performances. He emphasized that all English dialogue remained untouched and that the actors' portrayals were entirely their own. Corbet stated, "Adrien and Felicity's performances are completely their own... The aim was to preserve the authenticity of Adrien and Felicity's performances in another language, not to replace or alter them."

EW.com

Despite these explanations, the use of AI in the film has sparked broader discussions within the industry. Critics argue that even minimal AI involvement could set a precedent, potentially impacting the film's standing in upcoming award seasons, including the Oscars. The controversy has highlighted ongoing debates about the role of AI in filmmaking, with concerns about authenticity, artistic integrity, and the potential for technology to overshadow human creativity.

The Times & The Sunday Times

This situation mirrors a larger trend in the entertainment industry, where the integration of AI technologies has been met with both interest and apprehension. As AI becomes more prevalent in various aspects of film production, from dialogue editing to visual effects, the industry continues to grapple with balancing technological advancements and preserving the human elements essential to storytelling.

The Guardian