David Cronenberg is a filmmaker who has created his own brands of sci-fi for quite some time. But even a filmmaker like Cronenberg, someone who has dreamed up what the future could look like, is amazed at what technology is capable of today, specifically artificial intelligence (A.I.).
Speaking at the Cannes Film Festival (via Deadline), where he recently premiered his latest sci-fi feature, “The Shrouds,” David Cronenberg talked about the emergence of A.I. and what it might mean for the film industry in the years to come.
He first talked about how people embraced CGI when it was first becoming available, and Cronenberg believes A.I. combined with CGI could be an incredible thing to witness. And on that level, he’s excited by its prospects.
“I think artificial intelligence can enhance [CGI] so on that level I welcome that and I look forward to using it,” he said. “It’s quite shocking what can be done even now with the beginning of artificial intelligence.”
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But really, the effect of A.I. on the film industry won’t be fully felt until the technology grows and fulfills what has been promised. Cronenberg seemingly echoed sentiments made by other filmmakers recently, where he believes A.I. could start generating full films without the need of actual cast and crew.
“If the persons can write [prompts] in enough detail, the movie will appear. The whole idea of productions and actors and so on will be gone,” said Cronenberg. “That’s the promise and threat of artificial and intelligence.”
He continued, “Do we welcome that or fear that? Both, both.”
Interestingly, as seen in the comment above, Cronenberg is equally scared and excited by the prospect of A.I. generated filmmaking. Clearly, he believes it’s the future. But unlike those who feel like it will destroy the industry and perhaps even worse, Cronenberg doesn’t necessarily think it’s all bad.
It’s intriguing to read comments from a filmmaker like Cronenberg about A.I. He’s been filmmaking for decades, coming up with some of the most unique and beautiful films the industry has ever seen. However, he’s very measured and almost hopeful about a technology that is seemingly an existential threat to the art he cherishes. We’ll just have to see what happens in the future. Maybe Cronenberg is right to both fear it and welcome it.
