The critically acclaimed film The Brutalist, directed by Brady Corbet, has become a key example of the current debate about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in filmmaking. The controversy comes after the film’s editor, David Janso, revealed that AI was used during post-production to refine the Hungarian dialogue, raising questions about the ethical implications of such practices. occurred after causing.
Let’s dig deeper.
AI and the challenges of Hungarian dialogue
One of the key topics is how AI was used to deal with the complexities of the Hungarian language. Much of the film’s dialogue is in Hungarian, a language that is notoriously difficult for non-native speakers to learn. Stars Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones worked extensively with dialect coach Tanella Marshall, but the production team decided they needed to introduce technology to achieve further accuracy. it is clear.
“I am a native Hungarian speaker and I know that Hungarian is one of the most difficult languages to learn to pronounce,” Janso said in an interview with Red Shark News. Inadvertently thrust The Brutalist into the AI debate. “Even considering Adrian’s Hungarian background (his mother is a Hungarian refugee), things are not that simple. It’s a very unique language. did a great job, but we also wanted it to be perfect so that even locals wouldn’t be able to tell the difference.”
To address specific pronunciation challenges, the team turned to Ukrainian AI software Respeecher. “We first tried to ADR these difficult elements with the actors. Then we tried full ADR with other actors, but it didn’t work out,” Janso explained. “So we looked for other options to strengthen it. Most of their Hungarian conversations include parts of me speaking. We wanted to maintain their performance. I paid close attention to it, mainly just replacing characters here and there.
Using AI, the team was able to efficiently process large amounts of Hungarian dialogue. “We had to speed up the process, otherwise we would still be in post,” Janso said.
Check out ALS: Delays, recasts, tight budgets: How ‘The Brutalists’ overcame the odds
Brady Corbett deals with backlash
Following the backlash, Brady Corbett released a detailed statement to Deadline defending the decision to use AI and clarifying its purpose. “Adrian and Felicity’s performance is completely their own,” Corbett said. “They spent months perfecting their accents with dialect coach Tanela Marshall.The innovative Respeecher technology is used exclusively for Hungarian dialogue editing, specifically to ensure that certain vowels and letters are accurately used to adjust. English was not changed.
Corbet also addressed concerns about the use of AI in the film’s final scene, which shows off architectural drawings attributed to fictional architect Laszlo Todt. “Judy Becker and her team did not use AI to create or render the building. All images were hand-drawn by artists,” he explained. Instead, the AI-generated images in the background are “deliberately designed to look like poor digital renderings circa 1980.”
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Discussion about the role of AI in film production
The use of AI in The Brutalist has brought new attention to the ethical and creative implications of integrating such technology into the filmmaking process. Proponents argue that AI can refine details and increase efficiency, another weapon in filmmaking’s arsenal. But critics warn of possible over-reliance, loss of artistic integrity and job banishment.
For critics, the risk of unreliable performance is a major concern. Although Corbett insisted that Brody and Jones’ performances were untouched, skeptics wonder if AI’s role in perfecting dialogue delivery and enhancing vocal performance sets a worrying precedent. I have doubts. As AI becomes more pervasive, where will the line be drawn between preserving an actor’s work and reshaping it?
Other recent films also joined the discussion. Another acclaimed awards nominee, Netflix’s Emilia Pérez, uses ReSpeaker to enhance her performance, blending star Carla Sofia Gascón’s singing voice with songwriter Camille’s to create a seamless vocal range. It is said that he created it. Although such a technique is technically admirable, critics have questioned whether it detracts from the actors’ personal contributions.
Also Check: ‘The Brutalist’ Movie Review: Adrien Brody Shines in Brady Corbet’s Ambitious Epic
“Did the Brutalists use AI? How to imitate Adrien Brody’s accents and building designs?” posted user X. “Are you referring to the soon-to-be Oscar-nominated film that is a three-and-a-half-hour plea for artistic integrity?”
Another posted: “Both non-generative and generative AI are now used in many projects in different ways. Furiosa had it. Aliens (Romulus) had it. After learning the details, the former was accepted, the latter not so much. Brutalists don’t have that.
Another X poster expressed concern that Brody would be nominated for anything. “My take on The Brutalist AI is that it’s a slippery slope to award an award knowing that Adrien Brody’s accent was edited by AI. should automatically disqualify someone from these awards ceremonies.”
The controversy stems from Bohemian Rhapsody, which blended Rami Malek’s voice with other vocalists to recreate the sound of Freddie Mercury, and Bohemian Rhapsody, which augmented Angelina Jolie’s performance with an opera recording by Maria Callas. It reflects past controversies, such as the debate over
Beyond performance, critics also highlight the potential for AI to replace skilled professionals. From AI-generated visuals to soundscapes, the expansion of technology could reduce opportunities for designers, illustrators, and sound engineers. Corbett argues that in The Brutalist, AI has supplemented rather than replaced human effort, but concerns remain about the long-term impact on the industry.
One thing is clear. That means AI capabilities are expanding exponentially at a very fast pace. As it continues to influence, and perhaps even shape, the filmmaking landscape of today and tomorrow, it is vitally important that we continue to have conversations about the balance between innovation and artistic integrity.
achieved great success in controversy
Despite the backlash, The Brutalist received critical acclaim, winning three Golden Globe Awards, including Best Picture Drama, and receiving DGA and PGA Award nominations. Corbett is widely admired for his meticulous approach and remains steadfast in defending his team’s work.
“The Brutalist is a film about human complexity, and every aspect of its production was driven by human effort, creativity, and collaboration,” Corbett told Deadline. “We are very proud of our team and what they have accomplished here.”
