The world of film and entertainment is reshaping itself with the fascinating integration of artificial intelligence, and two recent projects highlight this trend spectacularly. The new movie Here, directed by Robert Zemeckis, showcases how AI de-aging technology can recreate the youthful appearances of stars like Tom Hanks and Robin Wright, enthralling audiences with its innovative take on storytelling. Meanwhile, the late Michael Parkinson, a legendary talk show host, is set to return, not through reincarnation but as an AI representation, engaging listeners on his upcoming podcast series. Together, these projects illuminate both the promise and the ethical dilemmas surrounding AI's role in our entertainment landscapes.
First up is Here, which was released on October 31, 2024. This ambitious film structures its narrative around the evolution of time at one location—a New England living room filled with warmth, history, and familial connections. Zemeckis, known for his groundbreaking use of technology, brings back Hanks and Wright for this adaptation of Richard McGuire's celebrated graphic novel, which traverses generations through the lens of one household. It takes the audience on an emotional rollercoaster from the past to the present, illustrating how the house has witnessed the lives and loves of families throughout time.
What makes Here particularly exciting is its employment of AI for age manipulation. Hanks and Wright portray characters at various life stages, from their youths to old age. This transition was made seamless through the cutting-edge work of Metaphysic, which digitally enhanced performances and allowed the actors to rehearse watching their younger selves through what they called the 'youth mirror' system. This innovative real-time feedback system helped maintain the emotional integrity of each performance. Kevin Baillie, the film's visual effects supervisor, revealed how this system used AI to create photorealistic younger versions of Hanks and Wright. He said, "The hardest for us was when we were playing 35. That time when your metabolism stops, gravity starts tearing you down, your bones start wearing off," capturing the nuances of aging through performance.
This technological feat has not been without controversy. While some fans marvel at the film's stunning visual effects, others express concern over the uncanny valley effect produced by AI de-aging. It becomes particularly jarring to see the 68-year-old Hanks perform as if he were decades younger, all the more compounded by the familiarity of his current voice. Critics have pointed out the tension between emotional storytelling and technological manipulation, questioning the authenticity of such depictions. Regardless, Hanks and Wright's performances have been rich with nuance, as they move through multiple decades, capturing the human experience across time.
The film's reception remains mixed, with concerns over its $50 million budget against the meager $5 million it raked in during its opening weekend, as reported by Forbes. Critics have debated Zemeckis's approach, deeming some aspects overly sentimental. Yet, it’s this tender exploration of life's passages, supported by advanced technology and artistic vision, which will likely inspire future filmmakers to push narrative boundaries.
On the other side of the AI universe, there’s the intriguing case of Michael Parkinson, who, after his passing in 2023, is being resurrected through technology for Virtually Parkinson, an eight-part podcast series. Backed by his son Mike Parkinson and produced by Deep Fusion Films, this project is poised to tap deeply nostalgic sentiments, inviting guests to share space with the AI-generated voice of the iconic talk show host. Each episode is unscripted, creating the illusion of genuine conversation where guests interact with the AI as if it were the real Parkinson.
Parkinson's legacy as one of Britain’s greatest interviewers spans decades, with his show initially launching in 1971 and concluding its original run by 2004. His ability to draw out candid responses from some of history's most extraordinary figures made him endearing to viewers. Mike Parkinson emphasized the intent behind this AI venture, stating, “The podcast is really a tribute to my Dad. I want audiences to marvel at the technology and enjoy the nostalgia and happy memories.” This sentiment strikes at the heart of what many feel about the intersection of technology and memory—can AI bring back the essence of someone who shaped our entertainment experiences? And should it?
While the technological advancement here might be unsettling to some and raise eyebrows, it is accompanied by full disclosure to audiences, as each episode indicates, clearly affirming the use of AI. This effort to honor Parkinson’s legacy through technology opens up discussions on nostalgia, memory, and the continued impact of beloved figures after they pass. Yet, it also raises significant questions—how far is too far when reviving past personas? At what point does it become exploitative rather than commemorative?
The intersection of AI, entertainment, and nostalgia is also echoing through recent trends. For example, the Polish radio station Off Radio Krakow attempted to fill its airwaves with AI hosts, even interviewing deceased cultural icons like Wisława Szymborska. Interestingly, the initial excitement generated by this innovation was not enough to quell the backlash against eliminating human presenters, leading the station to eventually revert to traditional broadcasting after facing public discontent.
This wrestle between technology and authenticity paints AI as both the hero and villain, as its capabilities can resurrect legacies or provide automation at the cost of human jobs. The use of AI-generated talent raises many ethical questions, particularly when juxtaposed against the real conversations and connections driven by human hosts like Parkinson.
Despite this tension, what’s likely is the growth of AI-driven content creation and enhancement across various platforms. The impact of AI is already reshaping conventional practices and presents opportunities for bold creators willing to explore how technology can expand narrative horizons. While there are challenges, the potential for new storytelling methods could lead cinema and media to traverse even newer realms we haven’t envisioned yet.
With the boundaries of AI blurring the lines between the living and the digital, it remains pivotal for consumers and creators alike to grapple with these advancements critically, ensuring their application enriches the art of storytelling rather than creating ethical or emotional dilemmas. What does the future hold when we can not only de-age actors but also replicate those who have left us, crafting content they never could’ve imagined? These are the thrilling yet unsettling questions surrounding the rise of AI both on screen and behind the microphone.
