Amazon awakens an unfinished cinematic work by Orson Welles. Decades after its release, an ambition emerges from a revolutionary start-up, Fable. Artificial intelligence becomes the main vector in a quest to recreate the lost conclusion of *The Magnificent Ambersons*. The deleted sequences influence the vision of modern cinema. The collaboration with filmmakers and advanced technologies raises ethical and artistic questions. The major challenge lies in obtaining the film rights. The future of a coveted original version seems suspended by the decision of film conglomerates.
Renaissance of a masterpiece
The company Fable, supported by Amazon, aims to resurrect a lost part of the famous film by Orson Welles, *The Magnificent Ambersons*. Using its innovative tool, Showrunner, the start-up plans to recreate the 43 minutes deleted at the time of its release. The project echoes a recent exhibition dedicated to Welles, raising the question: will artificial intelligence allow this unfinished work to be rediscovered?
The origins of the film
Originally, *The Magnificent Ambersons* was supposed to last about 2h11, but production imposed a drastic reduction, with the final version only lasting 1h28. This decision was dictated by the RKO producers, who hindered Welles’ creative vision. Consequently, the film underwent significant modifications, including an altered ending, replacing a dramatic conclusion with a happy ending.
Use of AI
AI technology plays a central role in Fable’s project. By merging traditional filmmaking techniques with artificial intelligence, the company plans to reconstruct the missing rushes. Sequences will be filmed with real actors, while AI will intervene to overlay the faces of the original actors, thus providing an unprecedented visual continuity.
Valuable collaboration
Brian Rose, a director known for his passion, closely collaborates with Fable. His experience includes the digital reconstruction of 30,000 missing images from this same film, as well as the creation of 3D model sets. These elements will be crucial in faithfully reproducing the scenes envisioned by Welles, thus reconstructing the original spirit of the film.
Legal implications
Legal challenges remain regarding copyright. The rights to *The Magnificent Ambersons* have been scattered among several companies since RKO’s demise. Warner Bros. Discovery and Concord hold these rights, but no permission has been granted for Fable’s project. Edward Saatchi, CEO of Fable, clarifies that the intention is not to commercialize these 43 minutes, but to have them exist, symbolizing an artistic quest.
Reactions from the Welles family
Fable’s ambitions provoke mixed reactions, particularly from Beatrice Welles, the director’s daughter. She expresses her anger towards this initiative, lamenting that her father’s legacy may be exploited without her validation. Her statement on Instagram depicts a struggle to preserve the integrity of the original work and its impact over time.
Advancements of AI in cinema
The speed at which artificial intelligence is progressing, illustrated by projects like OpenAI’s Sora 2, makes the realization of initiatives like this increasingly tangible. AI capabilities promise to transform the cinematic landscape, making possible reconstructions once thought inaccessible. The implications for the industry are vast and pave the way for new cinematic experiences.
Frequently asked questions about Amazon’s project concerning Orson Welles
What is the main goal of Amazon’s project regarding Orson Welles’ film?
The project aims to recreate the 43 deleted minutes of the film *The Magnificent Ambersons* using artificial intelligence and period filmmaking techniques.
Who is behind the technology used to recreate the lost sequences?
The start-up Fable is behind this initiative, using its tool Showrunner to carry out the reconstruction.
How will artificial intelligence be used in this project?
Fable plans to use AI to overlay the faces of the original actors on sequences filmed with real actors, as well as to recreate the film’s sets.
Why were the sequences of *The Magnificent Ambersons* initially deleted?
They were deleted due to the decision of the RKO producers, who held the final cut, thereby altering Orson Welles’ original vision.
What legal difficulties is Fable encountering for this project?
Fable must obtain the exploitation rights of the film, currently held by Warner Bros. Discovery and Concord, who have not yet granted their permission.
Did Edward Saatchi specify whether this project would be commercialized?
No, he indicated that the goal was not to commercialize the 43 minutes, but rather to allow their existence for people to question the original version of the film.
What is the feeling of Orson Welles’ daughter regarding this project?
Beatrice Welles expressed that she is “angry and disgusted” by this initiative, stating that it deeply troubles her, given that her father only made 13 films.
How will the sets and camera movements be recreated for the project?
The sets will be recreated in 3D from shooting photos, and the camera movements will be based on the detailed script and archived notes of Orson Welles.
What is the general reaction of experts regarding the success of this project?
With the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, experts increasingly believe that this project could be feasible, as evidenced by the example of OpenAI’s Sora 2.
