The film, directed by Steven Soderbergh, employs AI-generated images to visualize the final recorded interview of musician John Lennon, given in December 1980. The controversy centers on how these sequences, depicting subjects ranging from cavemen to hippy-dressed babies, complement the artist's words.
Soderbergh has defended AI's use for creating images 'impossible to shoot traditionally,' asserting that the film does not conceal the artificial nature of these visuals. However, critics question the necessity of this technology over conventional methods like actors or animators, despite it constituting a small portion of the runtime.
“"The new technology should not impose its rules on cinema."
The film's inclusion in the Cannes lineup has drawn criticism regarding the festival's stance on artificial intelligence. Festival president Iris Knobloch has voiced opposition to AI 'imposing its rules on cinema,' while director Thierry Fremaux has expressed concern over potential job losses in the industry. This comes amidst an announced collaboration between the festival and Meta, a company that also partnered with Soderbergh on the documentary.
The use of artificial intelligence was a central issue during the 2023 Hollywood strikes. Industry figures such as Ron Howard, James Cameron, and Darren Aronofsky have invested in or utilized this technology in their projects. Soderbergh himself has indicated plans to use 'a lot of artificial intelligence' in his upcoming film about the 1898 Spanish-American War.
