Film critics and audiences debate the role of AI in cinema as The Brutalist faces backlash for using AI to enhance Hungarian dialogue.
- The Brutalist utilized AI for a two-minute scene to enhance actors’ Hungarian dialogue, sparking industry debate.
- Editor Dávid Jancsó defended the decision, emphasizing the practical benefits of AI in saving time and resources.
- The controversy highlights broader discussions about the ethical and creative implications of AI in filmmaking.
The Brutalist, a critically acclaimed film featuring Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones, received high praise for its performances and storytelling. However, the film’s use of artificial intelligence for a small portion of Hungarian dialogue triggered backlash. Critics accused the production of leaning too heavily on AI, reigniting debates about the role of AI in creative industries.
The controversy centers around a two-minute scene where Brody’s character reads a heartfelt letter in Hungarian. According to film editor Dávid Jancsó, the production team struggled to perfect the actors’ Hungarian pronunciation. After attempts with ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement) and other methods failed, they turned to Respeecher, an AI-powered voice synthesis tool.
The Role of AI in the Film
Respeecher was used to subtly adjust the actors’ voices, ensuring the Hungarian dialogue was accurate while preserving their performances. Jancsó, a native Hungarian speaker, even contributed his voice to enhance certain elements of the dialogue.
“We were very careful about keeping their performances intact,” said Jancsó. “It’s mainly just replacing letters here and there. AI allowed us to speed up the process without sacrificing quality.”
Jancsó emphasized that the AI’s role was minimal, describing it as a tool to refine details that traditional methods couldn’t address efficiently. “This wasn’t about replacing actors—it was about enhancing what they already brought to the table.”
The Industry Debate
The use of AI in The Brutalist has reignited discussions about the ethical implications of artificial intelligence in filmmaking. Critics argue that AI undermines traditional craftsmanship, while supporters like Jancsó see it as a tool to overcome practical challenges.
“It is controversial to talk about AI, but it shouldn’t be,” Jancsó remarked. “We need open discussions about how AI can assist, not replace, human creativity. There’s nothing in the film using AI that hasn’t been done before—it just made the process faster.”
Looking Forward
The controversy surrounding The Brutalist reflects a broader tension in the film industry. As AI tools become more accessible and capable, filmmakers face the challenge of balancing innovation with authenticity. For now, The Brutalist remains a lightning rod for the ongoing debate about AI’s role in the arts—both as a creative ally and a potential disruptor.