Reflection on Underestimating Innovation
There’s a certain irony in watching commentators—people like me—act all high-and-mighty, thinking we have the answers while often underplaying the accomplishments of those actually in the arena.
This dynamic was particularly evident back in the summer of 2015 when Donald Trump announced his run for presidency. The media and political pundits laughed, dismissing him outright, all while failing to recognize his significant achievements. Here was a man who had been a pop culture icon for over three decades. He had navigated the cutthroat real estate market of Manhattan and bounced back from bankruptcy. Plus, he enjoyed a successful 14-year run with his own primetime show. Yet, somehow, his presidential aspirations were seen as a joke.
Fast forward to today, and we see similar trends as certain movies release this summer. For instance, Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey has become a huge success. How can anyone downplay a director with such a near-flawless record, both critically and commercially? His previous film, Oppenheimer (2023), was an R-rated biopic about a relatively obscure figure, yet it garnered multiple Oscars and became a box office hit, all while primarily being shot in black and white.
And here we go again this week…
Elon Musk is set to introduce an AI version of Odyssey by the year’s end, promising a faithful adaptation.
It’s absurd to overlook Musk’s achievements, much like the skepticism directed at the first billionaire who managed to catch a rocket with chopsticks. If you need proof of his success, just try calling Starlink’s customer service. The AI operator there is likely more helpful than many human representatives you’d encounter.
People seem to think Musk will simply instruct Mr. Grok to make the film, but that’s a simplification. More realistically, he’ll seek out top talent to write, direct, and harness AI graphics to bring his vision to life.
This might sound overly simplified, but this is essentially how the film industry operates today. AI-generated films will likely function in much the same way as computer-animated ones. And I can assure you, there’s no shortage of talent for Musk to work with.
Beyond just the AI version, Musk is venturing into something that could revolutionize Hollywood. If he succeeds, it might pose the largest challenge to the industry since television emerged—a revelation for those already settled in entertainment and for everyday folks alike. The realization that, “Wow, you can actually create your own films!” is going to change everything.
Even if Musk doesn’t make it happen, someone else will—this is perfectly captured by an observation I came across: It’s not far-fetched to envision movies and series hitting platforms like YouTube, all generated by everyday individuals—perhaps a child producing a project in between homework and tending to chores. We might see housewives crafting unprecedented romantic comedies or blue-collar folks creating sitcoms that take the screen by storm.
Hollywood might not even catch wind of it. It would be the work of ordinary people.
Think about Margaret Mitchell, who published only a single novel—one that went on to win a Pulitzer Prize. Her iconic book, Gone with the Wind, is an extraordinary tale born from relatively humble beginnings. Some aspiring writers today might be unaware that they have the potential to achieve greatness akin to hers, especially with AI’s help. No longer are they dependent on pitching their ideas to studio gatekeepers or feeling defeated before they even start. AI and platforms like YouTube are clearing the path.
Consider how giving the public the means to access national distribution via the internet has turned the traditional media landscape on its head, much like it transformed the music and publishing arenas.
Those who truly love films will likely rejoice in the variety of adaptations of Odyssey that emerge. Competition cultivates excellence, and Hollywood, having become a kind of echo chamber, lacks the needed cultural and political diversity. It’s high time we support innovators like Musk instead of belittling them.
