The Brutalist used AI for Adrien Brody’s Oscar-nominated performance. Is that cheating?

The Controversial Intersection of AI and Performance: A Deep Dive into The Brutalist

As the awards season heats up, one film is igniting debates that could shape the future of cinema: The Brutalist. Starring acclaimed actor Adrien Brody, this ten-time Oscar-nominated film is at the heart of buzz, not just for its artistic merits but for a groundbreaking use of artificial intelligence in its production. With Brody and co-star Felicity Jones’s performances raising eyebrows due to AI-enhanced accents, we must explore the implications of this technology on artistry, authenticity, and the future of filmmaking.

AI and Accents: A Modern Controversy

Recently, director Brady Corbet revealed that AI technology, developed by the Ukrainian company Respeecher, was employed to fine-tune the Hungarian accents of Brody and Jones in The Brutalist. This revelation has set off a whirlwind of criticism and curiosity. Can an acting performance that leans on AI still be considered ‘authentic’? What does this mean for the integrity of acting awards?

The Implications of AI in Acting

Critics, such as Rachel Ho, argue that incorporating AI into performances blurs the lines of artistry. “When there is so much at stake in that sense, we do need to be transparent about how AI is being used,” she asserts. This begs the question: should AI use in films be disclosed? The Academy Awards is already considering requiring filmmakers to disclose any AI technologies employed behind the scenes, a move that could change how movies are produced and understood by audiences.

Hollywood’s Uneasy Relationship with AI

While The Brutalist uses AI in a nuanced way, its method hints at a broader trend. In 2025 alone, other notable films, including A Complete Unknown and Dune: Part Two, incorporated variants of AI during production, which adds to the growing tapestry of artificial technologies influencing cinema.

Familiar Techniques in a New Light

Interestingly, the use of AI in The Brutalist isn’t an entirely new concept in Hollywood. Automated dialogue replacement (ADR) has long been a standard practice aimed at refining audio quality. Michael Forsey, president of Toronto’s Rolling Pictures post-production company, equates it with music’s auto-tune technology, already prevalent in the industry. He argues, “If you’re going to take an Oscar away from everyone who used something like auto-tune, then that’s going to be a lot of Oscars that you’re giving back.” Could AI be the next logical step in this trend?

The Ethics of AI in Performance Art

Despite Brody and Jones reportedly endorsing the use of AI, the underlying ethical implications cannot be overlooked. In a world where digital manipulation is commonplace, how can filmmakers maintain authenticity without alienating their audience?

Transparency as the Way Forward

As the lines blur, many argue that transparency is key. Audiences crave authentic connections with the characters they see on-screen, and any perceived deception can lead to disillusionment. “Directors, actors, studios — it is a responsibility of theirs to give audiences the whole picture,” says Ho. This perspective drives home the importance of clarity in how modern techniques, including AI, are applied.

How AI Can Enhance, Not Replace, Human Talent

Vocal coach Mark Byron Dallas argues that employing AI to fine-tune performances can be a valuable asset rather than a replacement for traditional coaching. “Having grown up as an English speaker, there are simply Hungarian tones Brody would be unlikely to ever perfect,” he observes. Thus, AI can serve as a tool for artists, bridging gaps in their craft instead of usurping their expertise.

Precedents in the Industry

The use of AI to enhance performances resonates with what has been done in the past. For instance, Robert De Niro’s CGI de-aging in The Irishman raised eyebrows but was ultimately accepted by audiences. These cases demonstrate that digital enhancement can coexist with human-driven artistry when done with care.

Global Concerns and Cultural Accountability

The dialogue surrounding AI’s role in acting pivots towards accountability, especially regarding cultural representation. The use of AI to adjust accents runs the risk of replacing genuine cultural understanding with convenient technological solutions. This notion faced its share of controversies in productions like Emilia Pérez, which attracted criticism for inadequate representation in its casting decisions.

Cultural Implications of AI-Driven Performance

By employing AI to adjust performances, filmmakers might inadvertently bypass obligations to hire authentically representative talent. As Dallas expresses concern, “The idea to actually replace that whole process, that is something that’s unthinkable.” This highlights the ethical dimensions of creative expression intertwined with technology and cultural representation.

Visual Storytelling in the Age of AI

As AI rapidly evolves and permeates various artistic realms, cinema must grapple with how these innovations impact storytelling. Combining human creativity and AI tools could create a new landscape of visual narratives where filmmakers infuse traditional storytelling techniques with futuristic advancements.

Examples from Other Mediums

Other artistic fields are already adapting to this shift. For instance, AI-generated art is reshaping how we perceive creativity in visual arts. Similarly, music producers have started using AI tools to compose pieces that challenge our understanding of music creation. In the same breath, film may well be the next frontier.

Audience Reception: Navigating Acceptance

As the dust settles from controversies like those surrounding The Brutalist, understanding audience sentiment toward AI-infused creativity becomes vital. Are spectators ready to embrace these advancements, or will they cling to traditional forms of artistry?

Polarization in Audience Reactions

Some viewers may see AI’s involvement as a fascinating evolution in filmmaking, while others may regard it as a betrayal of the craft. Ensuring that audiences are educated on how AI enhances a performance could aid in fostering a more accepting attitude. As the old adage goes, “Knowledge is power,” and that holds true in the realm of art as well.

What Lies Ahead: The Future of AI in Film

Looking towards the future, it is likely that AI will become more common in filmmaking processes. However, establishing guidelines around its use will be critical to maintaining the integrity of performances. Furthermore, the conversation must encompass both the technological possibilities and the ethical implications of these advancements.

Regulatory Considerations for AI Usage

As the Academy Awards deliberates incorporating mandatory AI disclosure, regulatory frameworks will likely emerge to guide filmmakers. This could set important precedents in how AI is applied across the industry while providing audiences assurance that their cinematic experience remains genuine.

Developing a Symbiotic Relationship Between AI and Cinema

Ultimately, the conversation surrounding AI in performance art boils down to balancing innovation with respect for traditional practices. As filmmakers, actors, and audiences navigate the complexities of this synergy, understanding, transparency, and respect for the art will ensure that AI enhances rather than diminishes the emotional core that lies at the heart of storytelling.

Expert Perspectives on AI’s Future Role

Thought leaders predict that if handled responsibly, AI could enhance storytelling without compromising authenticity. The potential for richer characters and dynamic narratives using AI technology suggests an exciting horizon for filmmakers and audiences alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

What role does AI play in performance enhancement?

AI technology can be used to adjust tonal inflections, accents, and other vocal attributes to enhance performances in film without altering the core delivery of the actors.

Is AI in film productions a new phenomenon?

No, AI’s application in filmmaking has evolved over time, aligning with practices like Automated Dialogue Replacement (ADR), which have long been standard in post-production.

Will actors be replaced by AI in the future?

While AI may augment performance capabilities, it is unlikely to replace human actors entirely in the near future due to the uniquely human aspects of performance art.

Why is transparency about AI usage important?

Transparency ensures audiences understand how a film is made, preserving trust and credibility in the art form, as well as allowing for informed critiques.

How can filmmakers ensure cultural representation alongside AI use?

Filmmakers should prioritize hiring authentic talent while using AI as an enhancement tool, rather than a replacement for genuine representation.

Interactive Elements and Engagement

Did you know? The use of AI in The Brutalist drew from the broader conversations of technology’s place in both arts and everyday lives. Share your thoughts! How do you feel about the integration of AI in performance? Let us know in the comments below!

Expert Tips: If you’re a filmmaker considering AI, explore ways to maintain authentic storytelling while leveraging technology. Always remember, it’s about balance!

Quick Facts: As of 2025, AI technology in film production has implicated numerous high-profile movies, evolving from concept to execution. What will it mean for your next favorite film?

Stay engaged: If you found this article insightful, share it with friends, and explore more of our articles on the intersection of technology and art!

AI in Film: A Game Changer or a Threat to Authenticity? We Talk to Expert harold Finch

keywords: AI in film, AI in acting, The Brutalist, film technology, artificial intelligence, acting awards, film ethics, Hollywood, digital manipulation, cultural representation, audience reception

The film industry is buzzing about the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in filmmaking. From de-aging actors to fine-tuning accents, AI is rapidly changing how movies are made. But is this a positive development, or does it threaten the very essence of art and performance? To gain a deeper understanding, Time.news spoke with Harold Finch, a leading expert in film technology and digital media ethics, about the implications of AI in cinema, sparked by the controversial use of AI accents in the film The Brutalist.

Time.news: Harold, thanks for joining us. The Brutalist, with its AI-enhanced accents for Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones, has ignited a firestorm of debate. What’s yoru take on this specific case?

Harold Finch: It’s certainly a landmark moment. The Brutalist’s AI-powered accents have forced us to confront the realities of AI’s potential – and potential pitfalls – in film. The use of technology from Respeecher to refine those Hungarian accents brings up questions of authenticity and who should get credit for the nuances in a performance.

Time.news: Critics like Rachel ho argue that AI blurs the lines of artistry. do you agree? Should filmmakers be required to disclose when they’ve used AI?

Harold Finch: I think Ho hits on a crucial point – transparency is paramount. At the very least there should be disclosures. If an actor’s performance is substantially augmented by AI, audiences deserve to know. This isn’t about shaming filmmakers; it’s about fostering trust and enabling informed criticism. The Academy’s consideration of mandatory AI disclosure is a step in the right direction.

Time.news: The Brutalist isn’t alone in its use of AI. The article mentions A Complete unknown and Dune: Part Two also incorporated AI during production. Is this the start of a major trend?

Harold Finch: Undeniably. AI is becoming increasingly integrated into various stages of film production. From visual effects and automated dialogue replacement (ADR), a well-established post-production method, to scriptwriting and even pre-visualization, the possibilities seem endless. Though, we need to proceed cautiously and ethically while embracing the potential benefits. Its integration is evolving film but has already produced controversy.

Time.news: Michael forsey of Rolling Pictures compares AI in film to auto-tune in music. is that a fair comparison?

harold Finch: In some ways, yes. Both are tools used to enhance sound for a final production. However, there’s a difference in perception. Auto-tune is widely accepted, while AI in acting is still viewed with suspicion by some. My opinion is that we’re entering a world of movie and cinema evolution.

Time.news: The ethical implications are significant. How do filmmakers maintain authenticity in a world of digital manipulation?

Harold Finch: That’s the million-dollar question! I believe that filmmakers need to be mindful of not crossing the lines with tools like AI.They have to prioritize respect for the artists, the stories they’re telling, and the characters they’re portraying. Transparency can help keep them aligned.

Time.news: Vocal coach Mark Byron Dallas suggests AI can “bridge gaps” in an actor’s performance. Do you see AI as a complement to human talent,or a potential replacement?

Harold Finch: I agree with Dallas’s assessment. AI, at its best, should be a tool that expands an artist’s capabilities, not replace them. For example, AI could help an actor perfect an extremely precise vocal delivery in a language they’re only partially confident with. However, we are seeing other instances around the film industry that are cause for pause.

Time.news: The article raises concerns about cultural representation, suggesting AI could lead to shortcuts in authentically portraying diverse characters. how can filmmakers avoid this trap?

Harold Finch: This is a critical issue. The ethical implications of AI must be considered. AI should never be used as a substitute for casting actors who genuinely represent the cultures they depict. It’s about enhancement, not enabling lazy casting practices or relying on AI to “fix” cultural inaccuracies. I can not stress this enough.

Time.news: What advice would you give to filmmakers considering using AI in their projects?

Harold Finch: first, be clear about your goals. Why are you considering AI? What problem are you trying to solve and what do you want to achieve with your production? Second, prioritize transparency with your team, your actors, and ultimately, your audience. Disclose AI’s role in your production. Third, be mindful of the ethical implications, notably regarding cultural representation. Your film should make an impact.

Time.news: what’s your overall outlook on the future of AI in film?

Harold Finch: I believe that AI can enhance storytelling and we will see a surge in popularity. The key is to guide innovation with respect for authenticity and ethical considerations. It’s a tool, not a replacement for human heart. If we handle it responsibly, the future of cinema could be very exciting. but if transparency, artist respect, and cultural sensitivity are absent, the creative risk is a betrayal to audiences.

Time.news: Harold, thanks for your insightful viewpoint. This is a crucial conversation, and your expertise has been invaluable to our readers.