Fk AI: Frankenstein Director Guillermo del Toro at Gotham Awards
The Gotham Film Awards 2025 have been making headlines, and one of the most notable moments from the event was when acclaimed filmmaker Guillermo del Toro took the stage to receive the Vanguard Tribute. The tribute was not just a recognition of his outstanding contribution to the world of cinema but also a celebration of his latest film, Frankenstein, which has been generating a lot of buzz. Del Toro was joined by the lead actors of his film, Jacob Elordi and Oscar Isaac, making the occasion even more special. However, it was his speech that truly stole the show, as he took a bold stance against artificial intelligence (AI) in filmmaking.
Del Toro, known for his visually stunning and often dark fantasy films, has always been an advocate for the human touch in cinema. His films, such as Pan’s Labyrinth and Hellboy, are testaments to the power of human imagination and creativity. Therefore, it was not surprising when he expressed his disdain for the increasing reliance on AI in the film industry. What was surprising, however, was the straightforward and unapologetic manner in which he conveyed his sentiments.
While accepting the Vanguard Tribute, del Toro took a moment to talk about the making of Frankenstein and the ethos behind it. He emphasized the importance of human involvement in every aspect of filmmaking, from conceptualization to execution. “Every single frame of this film…was wilfully made by humans, for humans,” he said, highlighting the deliberate choice to keep the film free from the influence of AI. This statement was met with applause from the audience, who seemed to resonate with del Toro’s perspective.
However, it was what followed that really made headlines. In a bold and unambiguous statement, del Toro declared, “I would like to extend our gratitude and say: F**k AI.” The audience was taken aback, with some cheering in agreement and others looking on in surprise. The statement was not just a rejection of AI’s role in filmmaking but also a call to action, encouraging filmmakers to prioritize human creativity and ingenuity over technological shortcuts.
Del Toro’s criticism of AI is not without merit. The increasing use of AI in filmmaking has raised concerns about the future of human employment in the industry. With AI capable of performing tasks such as editing, visual effects, and even scriptwriting, there is a fear that human professionals may be replaced. Moreover, the over-reliance on AI can lead to a homogenization of styles and ideas, stifling innovation and creativity.
The use of AI in filmmaking also raises questions about authorship and ownership. When a film is made with the significant involvement of AI, who can be considered the true creator of the work? Is it the human director, the AI algorithm, or a combination of both? These are complex issues that the film industry is still grappling with, and del Toro’s statement highlights the need for a more nuanced discussion.
It is worth noting that del Toro’s film, Frankenstein, is a remake of the classic novel by Mary Shelley. The original story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked scientific progress and the consequences of playing God. In many ways, del Toro’s criticism of AI can be seen as an extension of this theme, warning against the unbridled use of technology without considering the ethical implications.
In conclusion, Guillermo del Toro’s statement at the Gotham Film Awards 2025 has sparked a much-needed conversation about the role of AI in filmmaking. While AI can be a powerful tool, it is essential to remember that filmmaking is an art form that requires human touch and creativity. As del Toro so eloquently put it, every frame of a film should be “wilfully made by humans, for humans.” The future of cinema depends on our ability to strike a balance between technology and human ingenuity, ensuring that the art form continues to thrive and inspire audiences for generations to come.
News Source: https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/frankenstein-director-bashes-ai-at-gotham-awards/story
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