Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a technological tool—it is expanding into creative domains as well. The recent film *The Brutalist* has highlighted AI's capabilities, particularly in refining actors' Hungarian pronunciation, which has generated significant buzz. This unique approach demonstrates how AI can be invaluable in handling linguistic complexities and opens new possibilities in film production. Let's take a closer look at how AI is transforming the film industry, with *The Brutalist* as a case study.
Refining Hungarian Pronunciation with AI
- Hungarian is known for its unique script and pronunciation, making it a challenging language for non-native speakers to learn. To address this, the production team of *The Brutalist* employed Respeecher, a Ukrainian-developed AI software, to enhance the accuracy of the actors' Hungarian pronunciation.
- Respeecher generates a custom speech model based on an actor's voice and fine-tunes specific pronunciation elements. For instance, the AI meticulously adjusted vowel and consonant sounds that actors like Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones found particularly challenging.
- While this technology may seem novel, the film’s editor, Dávid Jancsó, emphasized, "This AI technology does not replace human voices; it is merely a tool to enhance the performance while preserving the actor’s natural delivery."
Respeecher: At the Crossroads of Film and Cultural Preservation
- Beyond *The Brutalist*, Respeecher has been used in various projects related to film and cultural preservation. For example, it has been employed to restore Darth Vader's voice in *Star Wars* and to recreate Édith Piaf’s voice for a new film.
- Additionally, Respeecher extends beyond cinema, contributing to the preservation of endangered languages, such as the Crimean Tatar language restoration project.
- Given the limited production budget of *The Brutalist*, AI played a crucial role in saving both time and costs. Jancsó noted that without AI, the process would have required significantly more effort and resources.
AI in Architectural Design for Film
- AI was not only used for voice enhancement but also played a significant role in other aspects of film production. Architectural blueprints and certain set designs were created using AI technology.
- In particular, AI contributed to the background elements of the Venice Biennale scene, ensuring a highly realistic portrayal of architect Marcel Breuer’s work.
- Director Brady Corbet stated, "AI was used as a tool to accelerate the workflow and enhance intricate details, but it did not replace the fundamental artistic essence of the film."
AI in the Creative Industry: Controversy and Potential
- The use of AI in creative works is a hot topic across various industries, including film, music, and literature. In 2023, AI involvement became a major point of contention during the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) strikes.
- The case of *The Brutalist* showcases AI’s tangible benefits while simultaneously raising concerns about how creators balance artistic integrity with technological reliance.
- The key question remains: how far can AI be integrated into creative industries, and what standards should govern its use?
*The Brutalist*: Timeless Artistry Meets Technology
- This film is not just about AI integration; it also embraces cinematic grandeur through elements such as a 15-minute intermission, an epic three-and-a-half-hour narrative, and a widescreen VistaVision format to enhance its artistic appeal.
- Viewers who watched the film could appreciate how AI’s subtle contributions elevated the overall quality while demonstrating how technology can enhance timeless artistic expression.
- Rather than merely telling a story, *The Brutalist* presents a conceptually and emotionally rich creative endeavor.
Conclusion
AI is now an essential tool across the creative industry, extending beyond film production. The success of *The Brutalist* demonstrates its potential, sparking discussions about its expanding role in various creative fields. As technological advancements merge with artistic creativity, audiences can look forward to groundbreaking works that redefine storytelling and cinematic innovation.
