The use of artificial intelligence in contemporary cinema generates passionate and complex debates. The film *The Brutalist* perfectly illustrates this issue where AI was utilized to refine the Hungarian accents of the actors. These technological innovations highlight linguistic challenges, while questioning the notion of artistic authenticity in the creative process. The tension between innovation and tradition sparks a deep interest in the impact of AI on cultural identity.
The use of AI to perfect Hungarian accents
The use of artificial intelligence in film production is generating considerable enthusiasm, particularly in the film The Brutalist. The feature film by Brady Corbet, set for release on February 12 in France, has integrated advanced technologies to refine the Hungarian accents of the main actors, Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones. This approach proves to be not only innovative but also a source of controversy within the industry.
Technique employed: Respeecher
The editor of the film, Dávid Jancsó, revealed that he had called upon the Respeecher software. Developed by a Ukrainian company, this tool allows for adjusting the pronunciation of the actors’ dialogues. The difficulties faced by Brody and Jones with Hungarian phonemes, known for their complexity, motivated this decision. It is noteworthy that even talented performances can encounter linguistic obstacles.
Functioning and targeting of accents
Respeecher does not magically transform the voice but creates a vocal model based on the characteristics of the actor. This process includes targeted adjustments to specific elements, such as the pronunciation of letters and vowels. Jancsó acknowledged that a majority of the corrections remained discreet, thus preserving the authenticity of the performances while injecting a touch of linguistic precision. He even joked that some of his own vocalizations blended with the dialogue of the actors.
The implications of AI in film production
The integration of this technology in The Brutalist does not stop at accent navigation. AI also had a significant influence on other aspects of production, notably the generation of architectural drawings and set elements. Corbet specified that these elements were not entirely generated by AI but were rather assisted by it to visually enrich the work.
The budgetary issues
The use of AI has also helped optimize production costs. With a total budget of only $10 million, fully dedicated to Hungarian dialogues, the use of artificial intelligence tools allowed for considerable time savings. The manual manipulation of each line would have required a titanic effort, hence the importance of pragmatism behind this technological approach.
Reactions to the use of AI
The revelation of the use of AI has provoked varied reactions within the film industry. Many express concern about the artistic integrity of actors in the face of constantly evolving technology. Industry professionals continue to debate the role of AI in creative art. Jancsó considers this use of AI as a means to enhance production speed while staying true to the essence of the original performances.
The debate on the future of cinema
This controversy is part of a broader debate regarding the potential impact of artificial intelligence in the artistic field. Concerns are numerous, highlighting the need for regulations. Union movements such as the Writers Guild of America have already taken a position on the subject, bringing to light the implications of these new technologies. Questions about artistic ownership persist, underscoring fears of a dilution of human creativity.
A film with ambitious dimensions
The Brutalist does not merely tell the story of a fictional architect, László Tóth, but seeks to explore themes related to memory and cultural identity. This feature film showcases a rare visual format, VistaVision, which enhances its nostalgic aesthetic. By focusing on the quality of the dialogues while remaining grounded in a rich cinematic tradition, it questions the role of AI in an environment where authenticity and technology inevitably intersect.
Questions and answers about AI and Hungarian accents in The Brutalist
What is the role of artificial intelligence in perfecting the accents in The Brutalist?
Artificial intelligence was used to refine the Hungarian pronunciation of the actors, Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones, to bring more authenticity to their dialogues in Hungarian.
What specific technologies were used to improve the actors’ accents?
The film used an AI software called Respeecher, developed by a Ukrainian company, to adjust the Hungarian dialogues of the actors by modifying certain problematic sounds and pronunciations.
Why is the Hungarian accent so difficult for non-native actors to master?
The Hungarian language features unique sounds and complex phonetic characteristics that can pose challenges for non-native speakers, even with intensive training.
How were the adjustments made by AI perceived by the directors and actors?
Director Brady Corbet and editor Dávid Jancsó view the use of AI as a valuable tool to preserve authenticity while respecting the work of the actors, stating that it helped accelerate the production process.
Will the use of AI in the film face criticism?
Yes, the use of AI has sparked debates within the film industry, particularly concerns about the potential replacement of human labor and the impact on artistic authenticity.
Has Respeecher been used in other film productions?
Yes, Respeecher has previously been employed for notable projects, such as the restoration of iconic voices in series, notably in the Star Wars saga.
What other applications of AI have been explored in The Brutalist beyond accents?
AI has also been used to generate certain visual elements, such as architectural drawings and backgrounds, thus enriching the visual dimension of the film without being entirely responsible for it.
How has AI contributed to reducing the production costs of the film?
The use of AI for Hungarian dialogues reduced the need to manually edit each line, which saved time and money during production, critical for the film’s limited budget.
