In a recent interview with Esquire, Oscar-winning actor Brad Pitt opened up about the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the film industry. While there may be growing resistance to AI, Pitt expressed an optimistic view, particularly regarding its role in facilitating the production of mid-budget films.
AI’s Role in Mid-Budget Films
Pitt believes that AI, when utilized appropriately, could significantly increase the viability of films with budgets ranging from $40 to $90 million. “There’s a lot of pushback against AI,” he noted, “but AI is going to be the very thing that, if used as a tool, is going to help these mid-budget films get made.” This perspective suggests that advancements in technology could democratize filmmaking by making it more affordable to create visually compelling projects.
Concerns About AI Replacing Actors
While acknowledging the benefits of AI in certain aspects of filmmaking, Pitt expressed more nuanced feelings about the idea of AI replacing actors. When asked if he believes AI could replicate his performances, he responded, “Well, it depends on who’s creating it, you know? Who’s behind it, who’s telling the story.” He indicated that while AI might be capable of generating performances, the emotional depth and choices that define a character might be lost in the process.
The Experimentation with AI
Pitt described the upcoming integration of AI in cinema as “gonna be a very interesting experiment.” He also addressed the growing trend of body scanning technology used for stunt work and de-aging, raising concerns about licensing and future applications. “They’re telling us all to … scan ourselves,” he shared, revealing that he has prioritized ownership and destruction of his own scans. “I should have kept them! All this time I’ve always had them destroyed, because I’m paranoid Ozark boy.”
AI in Music and Its Limitations
On a lighter note, Pitt mentioned having recently heard an AI-generated song that he described as “pretty damn good,” but he noted its repetitive nature, emphasizing that it lacks the personal touch of a human voice.
Pitt’s Upcoming Projects
Looking ahead, Pitt is set to star in “Heart of the Beast,” a film about a special forces soldier who survives a plane crash with his dog. He will also reprise his iconic role as Cliff Booth in a new project titled “The Adventures of Cliff Booth,” directed by David Fincher. Esquire described this upcoming film not as a traditional sequel but rather as episodic storytelling, reminiscent of the classic television adventures that Tarantino, who penned the script, grew up watching. “Quentin gave me his blessing,” Pitt shared regarding Tarantino’s involvement, recounting how he pitched the script to Fincher during a flight.
Read Pitt’s full Esquire profile here.
