Mathieu Kassowitz Predicts AI’s Role in Film
Award-winning French director Mathieu Kassowitz sees a future where the distinction between real and AI actors blurs significantly. He predicts that “in two years no one will care” about whether an actor is human or generated by AI.
Kassowitz first gained international recognition three decades ago with his influential film, La Haine, which not only achieved critical acclaim but also won him the Best Director award at Cannes in 1995.
Currently, he’s involved in innovative projects, including a movie inspired by a 1940s wartime comic by Edmond-François Calbo, exploring how AI can take on significant roles in storytelling. At the World AI Film Festival in Cannes, he remarked, “Everyone is scared right now. But in a few years, we’re going to have really great AI superstars. We’ll have AI actors with millions of followers. You’ll be able to talk to them directly when they promote their movies.”
Interestingly, amidst Kassowitz’s forward-thinking approach, the Cannes Film Festival has taken a more cautious stance by banning the use of AI.
Kassowitz addresses one of Hollywood’s primary fears: the appropriation of copyrighted material by AI. He noted that his own works, like La Haine, have borrowed extensively from earlier films. “We are all thieves unless you create something from scratch,” he defended, adding, “AI steals everything, but it doesn’t steal anything.”
His views may seem controversial, especially as Hollywood grapples with the implications of AI. Some in the industry react defensively to those who advocate for a more open-minded perspective on AI actors. However, Kassowitz believes that acceptance will come, pointing out that audiences already embrace beloved characters like Woody and Buzz Lightyear, as well as iconic figures from shows like The Simpsons. “Creating human-like AI characters takes just as much artistry as designing animated ones,” he argued.
Reflecting on emotional connections to animated films, he mentioned, “If I could cry watching Bambi’s mother die in Dumbo, it doesn’t seem far-fetched to believe AI-generated actors could also resonate with audiences.”
Kassowitz recently watched a film titled BlackBerry (2023), which, while not a masterpiece, highlights lessons for Hollywood. The film recounts the story of BlackBerry’s rise and fall as a pioneering smartphone company that transitioned from innovation to denial. He draws parallels to Hollywood’s current struggle against the rise of AI, suggesting that fear of AI gaining sentience is a misguided concern that won’t stifle progress.
He concludes with a critical view of Hollywood, expressing anticipation for what AI might usher in. For him, the potential shift in the industry—especially away from practices he deems harmful—could be a positive development.
