Artificial intelligence is making waves in Hollywood, as evidenced by Tom Hanks’ enthusiastic endorsement of the technology employed in his latest film, "Here." Scheduled for release on Friday, the film utilises innovative AI technology to transform actors in real time, showcasing their characters through varying ages without the need for extensive post-production work.
"Here," starring Tom Hanks and Robin Wright, explores the lives of a couple navigating the complexities of family dynamics across generations. Hanks’ character is depicted from his teenage years to old age—an endeavour achieved through the advanced AI tool, Metaphysic Live, created by AI studio Metaphysic. This technology allows for instantaneous visual transformation, enabling actors and filmmakers to witness the de-aging effects immediately after filming each scene.
"The thing that is amazing about it is it happened in real time," commented Hanks, during a panel discussion with director Robert Zemeckis at the AFI Fest in Hollywood. They highlighted the efficiency this technology brings, as scenes can be replayed instantly with the actors' "aged" or "rejuvenated" versions displayed on an adjacent monitor.
Despite the technological breakthrough, the increasing integration of AI in the film industry is a topic of growing concern. Last year, actors in Hollywood organised strikes partly to express apprehensions about the potential threats AI poses to traditional roles and processes in the industry. Hanks acknowledged these concerns, elucidating how the AI tools utilised vast quantities of personal images from across the web to achieve accurate visual depictions.
The film itself is a visual adaptation of Richard McGuire’s graphic novel and employs another striking technique with its use of a static camera. Positioned in the corner of a living room in a suburban U.S. home, the singular camera view offers a fixed perspective, while the story traverses through multiple eras, portraying the geographical space even before the house was established.
"Here" showcases the intersection of AI and cinematography, but it isn't the only film sparking dialogue on the subject at the AFI Fest. The animated film "Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl," while narrative-focused on AI, notably excludes its use in production. The latest instalment involving the beloved British duo, Wallace and Gromit, explores the thematic implications of AI through a storyline where Wallace's creation of a "smart gnome" leads to unexpected complications, heightened by the meddling of a notorious character, Feathers McGraw.
Co-director Merlin Crossingham conveyed the film’s emphasis on triggering intellectual discourse on AI, despite its comedic adventure tone. "It is a very light touch, although it's a very serious subject," he stated. While AI formed a central theme, Crossingham confirmed that the technology was not utilised in the filmmaking process, garnering applause from the audience.
"Vengeance Most Fowl" is scheduled for broadcast on Christmas Day in the United Kingdom and Ireland, with a global release on Netflix following on January 3.
Both films, in their distinct approaches, highlight the intensifying debates surrounding AI in the creative arts, blending technological innovation with narrative exploration. As Hollywood continues to navigate these developments, the dialogue on the appropriate utilisation of AI in filmmaking remains as compelling as the stories being told.
Source: Noah Wire Services