At San Diego Comic-Con, acclaimed director Guillermo del Toro reaffirmed his stance against generative AI.
During discussions about his latest work, Frankenstein, he reiterated the concerns he had shared previously.
“AI is a no-no,” del Toro declared, provoking cheers from the crowd. “It’s more expensive, but we don’t care. What we’re preserving is the beauty and redemptive power of art.”
Del Toro originally voiced his opposition to AI while accepting an award at last year’s Gotham Awards, famously stating, “AI is crap” in relation to his film Vanguard Frankenstein.
“I want to convey to the entire extraordinary cast and crew that the artistry of all of them shines through in every frame of this film, purposely made by and for humans,” he explained from the stage, with actors Jacob Elordi and Oscar Isaac present. “Designers, builders, makeup, wardrobe teams, cinematographers, composers, editors—this tribute belongs to all of them. I want to express my gratitude and say: Damn AI.”
The debate over the role of generative AI in filmmaking has sparked significant discussion within Hollywood, with several notable directors expressing skepticism.
“I’m not negative about generative AI,” said James Cameron, director of Avatar. “I just wanted to highlight that we don’t use it in the ‘Avatar’ films. We honor and celebrate actors. We don’t replace them. It will find its own balance. Hollywood will self-regulate. But what concerns me more is the existential threat posed by AI.”
A study from 2015 reveals that excessive dependence on AI may hinder critical thinking abilities. Conducted by Carnegie Mellon University and Microsoft, it indicated that individuals using AI for routine tasks often struggle with complex critical thinking. The study focused on 319 “knowledge workers” and delivered sobering insights regarding AI’s influence. More than 900 instances of AI use at work were analyzed.
Participants were asked for real-life examples of their interaction with AI tools and the level of critical thought they applied. Those who trusted AI’s accuracy reported diminished critical thinking skills, while those with reservations about the technology also engaged in less critical analysis of AI-generated results.
According to the researchers, the findings suggest that AI may lead to “deterioration in cognitive abilities that should be preserved.”
