Key Takeaways
Adrien Brody’s performance in The Brutalist, a film about a fictional Hungarian architect and refugee in the U.S., has drawn attention for its emotional depth and technical aspects.
Brody’s Hungarian dialogue in the film was refined using AI, sparking a larger discussion about artificial intelligence’s role in modern filmmaking.
The film’s editor, Dávid Jancsó, explained that Brody and co-star Felicity Huffman initially worked with a dialect coach to perfect their Hungarian accents.
However, the production team opted for AI technology instead of traditional voiceover replacements.
They utilized Respeecher, an AI tool that modifies speech patterns while preserving the actor’s voice, to enhance pronunciation.
This statement suggests that AI was not used to replace Brody’s performance but to ensure linguistic accuracy for Hungarian-speaking audiences.
Industry Response: Divided Opinions on AI in Film
The use of AI in The Brutalist has sparked mixed reactions within the film industry.
While some see it as an innovative tool that enhances authenticity, others worry it could erode traditional filmmaking techniques and displace human workers.
Jane Guyer Fujita, a dialect coach and associate professor at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, believes that AI’s use in The Brutalist did not undermine human actors but instead created opportunities: “In this case of The Brutalist, it actually seems like it created a few extra gigs for Hungarian voiceover artists. And the reason being that Adrien Brody did perform his lines in Hungarian, but then they were refined by the film’s editor and a few hired voiceover artists.” Fujita also noted that Brody committed significant effort to learning Hungarian for the role: “I am not angry about it. I think that because Brody obviously went through an incredibly deep process of preparing this role and did learn his lines in Hungarian. I never got to hear how they sounded. I didn’t work on the film. But it seems like the Hungarian editor of the film was happy with the final product and felt like it was more authentic for the Hungarian listeners, which I think is a good thing.”
Critics’ Concerns: A Threat to Human Craftsmanship?
Despite these arguments, critics warn that AI’s growing presence in film could lead to job losses and diminish the value of human artistry in acting and post-production.
AI’s use in voice modification, dubbing, and even digital performances could reduce the need for traditional voice actors and sound editors, leading to concerns about employment stability.
Hollywood has been grappling with AI-related concerns for some time. During the 2023 SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes, actors and writers expressed fears that AI could be used to replace their work.
While AI tools in The Brutalist were limited to voice enhancements, some worry that this sets a precedent for further AI integration, potentially leading to fully AI-generated performances in the future.
AI and the Oscars: Should AI-Assisted Performances Be Eligible for Awards?
Brody’s win has reignited discussions about whether AI-assisted performances should qualify for acting awards.
This debate is reminiscent of the controversy surrounding Rami Malek’s performance in Bohemian Rhapsody (2018), where Malek’s voice was blended with recordings of Freddie Mercury to enhance authenticity.
“I think it’s similar and I don’t think it’s a disqualifier. We’re used to CGI being used for over a decade now. And I think that AI should never replace someone’s job in Hollywood. I think that protecting actors is imperative. Protecting the people that work on films is so important. But in this case of The Brutalist, it seems like it did not do that.”
This comparison raises an important question: how much technological intervention is acceptable before a performance is no longer considered solely the actor’s work?
Some argue that AI-assisted performances should be evaluated separately from purely human performances to ensure fair recognition of acting talent.
As AI becomes more prevalent in filmmaking, industry professionals are calling for clearer regulations to define its ethical use.
The Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) has implemented some AI-related protections, but as technology continues to evolve, more comprehensive guidelines may be necessary.
“AI will never be able to replace the depth of human inspiration and breadth. That is something that only an actor can deliver.”
However, Brody’s AI-assisted Oscar win serves as a wake-up call for Hollywood.
With AI now actively shaping performances, the industry must decide how to balance technological advancements with preserving the human element of filmmaking.
The question remains: is AI a helpful tool for enhancing performances, or does it represent the beginning of a fundamental shift in how acting is defined?
March 3, 2025: AI at the Oscars—Everything You Need to Know About the Controversy! January 23, 2025: AI’s Role in the Oscars Questioned Amid ‘The Brutalist’ Controversy! February 5, 2025: Who Owns AI-Created Works? U.S. Copyright Laws Explained!
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