Fk AI: Frankenstein Director Guillermo del Toro at Gotham awards
The Gotham Film Awards 2025 was a night to remember, with the who’s who of the film industry in attendance. However, it was Guillermo del Toro, the acclaimed director of the upcoming film Frankenstein, who stole the show with his bold and unapologetic remarks about artificial intelligence (AI). Del Toro, who was receiving the Vanguard Tribute at the awards, was joined on stage by the lead actors of his film, Jacob Elordi and Oscar Isaac. As he accepted the honor, del Toro took a moment to express his gratitude to the team that worked tirelessly to bring his vision to life.
In a passionate and heartfelt speech, del Toro highlighted the importance of human creativity and the value of traditional filmmaking techniques. He emphasized that every single frame of Frankenstein was “wilfully made by humans, for humans,” underscoring the fact that the film was a labor of love, crafted with precision and care by a team of dedicated artists. The director’s words were met with applause and cheers from the audience, who were clearly inspired by his passion and commitment to his craft.
However, it was what del Toro said next that really made headlines. In a bold and unapologetic statement, he declared, “I would like to extend our gratitude and say: F**k AI.” The audience erupted into cheers and applause once again, with many in attendance nodding in agreement with the director’s sentiments. Del Toro’s statement was a clear rebuke of the growing trend of using AI in filmmaking, which he believes undermines the value of human creativity and traditional craftsmanship.
Del Toro’s comments about AI are not surprising, given his reputation as a champion of practical effects and traditional filmmaking techniques. In an era where CGI and AI are increasingly being used to create visual effects and even entire films, del Toro’s commitment to doing things the old-fashioned way is a breath of fresh air. His films, such as Pan’s Labyrinth and Hellboy, are renowned for their intricate sets, elaborate costumes, and painstaking attention to detail, all of which are testaments to the power of human creativity and imagination.
The use of AI in filmmaking is a topic of growing controversy, with many in the industry expressing concerns about the impact it could have on jobs and the creative process. While AI can be a useful tool in certain contexts, such as visual effects and editing, there are fears that it could eventually replace human filmmakers altogether. Del Toro’s comments at the Gotham Film Awards are a timely reminder of the importance of preserving traditional filmmaking techniques and the value of human creativity in the face of technological advancements.
Del Toro’s film, Frankenstein, is a prime example of what can be achieved when human creativity and traditional filmmaking techniques are allowed to flourish. The film, which stars Jacob Elordi and Oscar Isaac, is a reimagining of the classic Mary Shelley novel, and promises to be a visually stunning and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition. With its intricate sets, elaborate costumes, and painstaking attention to detail, Frankenstein is a testament to the power of human imagination and creativity.
In conclusion, Guillermo del Toro’s comments at the Gotham Film Awards are a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving traditional filmmaking techniques and the value of human creativity in the face of technological advancements. His film, Frankenstein, is a prime example of what can be achieved when human imagination and creativity are allowed to flourish, and his commitment to doing things the old-fashioned way is a breath of fresh air in an industry that is increasingly reliant on CGI and AI. As the film industry continues to evolve and adapt to new technologies, it is essential that we remember the importance of human creativity and traditional craftsmanship, and that we continue to support and celebrate filmmakers like del Toro who are dedicated to preserving these values.
About the Author
