Horrendous Frankensteinian monster': The debate over digitally resurrecting Hollywood stars
Briefly

James Earl Jones, in his last performance, didn’t move a muscle; instead, his vocal recordings were used by Disney to recreate Darth Vader. The technology of AI enables his iconic voice to live on, giving a new generation the chance to experience the character. With the approval from Lucasfilm, the possibilities of resurrecting legendary actors raise questions regarding ethics and authenticity, pushing the boundaries of modern filmmaking.
Director Fede Alvarez noted that Ian Holm's widow supported the revival of his role for Alien: Romulus because Ian was sidelined by Hollywood later in life. She felt strongly that he deserved more recognition, and the project gave a poignant chance to bring him back. However, this revival has sparked debates about nostalgia versus originality and the ethics of resurrecting actors through technology.
A special effects expert highlighted the inherent paradox in bringing back deceased actors, suggesting that such decisions are often driven by a desire to evoke emotions only they could provide. The manipulation of AI to reanimate legendary performances opens a vivid discussion about the future of cinema—merging technological advancement with an audience's longing for nostalgia.
Critics of using resurrected actors argue about the unsettling implications of artificial intelligence in cinema. Resurrecting performances through AI can blur the lines of authenticity and artistry, posing ethical dilemmas regarding consent and artistic integrity in a landscape increasingly controlled by large corporations. As technology evolves, so does the responsibility of filmmakers to preserve the essence of the original performances.
Read at english.elpais.com
[
|
]