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Inspired by acclaimed filmmaker Werner Herzog’s claim that “a computer will not make a film as good as mine in 4,500 years,” Polish director Piotr Winiewicz set out to prove him wrong. Winiewicz trained an AI model on Herzog’s body of work and asked it to write a script he then made into a movie. The result? A film that not only mimics Herzog’s style but also examines the intersection of AI in filmmaking.
About a Hero stars Vicky Krieps and an AI-generated version of Herzog, who investigates the death of a factory worker named Dorem Clery in the fictional town of Getunkirchenburg. The verdict is still out on whether Winiewicz successfully proved Herzog wrong.
AI’s Role in Creative Filmmaking
Traditionally seen as a tool for productivity and efficiency, AI has steadily crept into the creative realm. About a Hero highlights how AI has taken a leap forward, creating a product that surprised Winiewicz’s team with its ability to escape predictable patterns while replicating Herzog’s distinct style.
After all, AI’s primary function is to identify and generate results based on the patterns it sees in the data it’s given. For Winiewicz’s AI model to deviate from that is astounding. Winiewicz is quick to point out that the process wasn’t seamless. Training the algorithm required significant effort to refine the script so the final result wouldn’t be predictable. The film defied expectations, delivering an eerie human and mechanical authenticity. This blending of technology and creativity demonstrates AI’s potential in storytelling.
Beyond scriptwriting, AI tools are being used in animation, pre- and post-production, visual effects, marketing, and distribution. However, the AI film About A Hero raises deeper questions about the role of AI in art and the future of creativity, including using deepfake technology to replicate actual people.
The Debate Over Originality and Authorship
While AI’s capabilities are undeniable, its integration into creative fields sparks the debate over originality and authenticity. Critics argue that because AI relies on existing data, it risks perpetuating clichés rather than breaking new ground. This raises questions about the value of genuinely innovative art in a world increasingly shaped by algorithms.
Another contentious issue is authorship. If AI generates a script, who should be credited as the author? The AI model, developer, or the person who provided the inputs? The situation’s ambiguity challenges artistic conventions and raises complex legal and philosophical questions. Such discussions and debates make projects like About A Hero more than just films. They reflect our evolving relationship with technology and creativity, challenging the traditional notions of authorship and the essence of storytelling.