Fk AI: Frankenstein Director Guillermo del Toro at Gotham Awards
The film industry has witnessed a significant shift in recent years with the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in various aspects of filmmaking. However, not everyone is pleased with this trend. Renowned filmmaker Guillermo del Toro expressed his discontent with AI while receiving the Vanguard Tribute at the Gotham Film Awards 2025. The event, which honored del Toro’s latest film, Frankenstein, also saw the attendance of the film’s lead actors, Jacob Elordi and Oscar Isaac.
Del Toro’s acceptance speech was marked by a passionate critique of AI’s role in filmmaking. The director emphasized the importance of human creativity and the need to preserve it in the face of technological advancements. “Every single frame of this film…was wilfully made by humans, for humans,” he said, highlighting the blood, sweat, and tears that go into creating a cinematic masterpiece. This statement was not just a testament to the hard work of his team but also a subtle dig at the growing reliance on AI in the industry.
The audience was taken aback when del Toro declared, “I would like to extend our gratitude and say: F**k AI.” This bold statement sparked a mix of applause and gasps, leaving many to ponder the implications of del Toro’s words. The director’s outburst was not just a momentary lapse but a reflection of his deep-seated concerns about the impact of AI on the film industry.
Del Toro’s criticism of AI is not unfounded. The increasing use of AI in filmmaking has raised several concerns, including the potential loss of jobs, the homogenization of creativity, and the erosion of human touch. AI algorithms can generate music, edit footage, and even create entire scenes, raising questions about the role of human creators in the filmmaking process. While AI can be a useful tool, its over-reliance can lead to a lack of originality and a sense of detachment from the creative process.
The use of AI in filmmaking is not limited to mundane tasks. AI-powered tools can now generate complex visual effects, animate characters, and even create entire scripts. This has led to a situation where human creators are being replaced by machines, at least in part. The consequences of this trend are far-reaching, with many fearing that the soul of filmmaking will be lost in the process.
Del Toro’s film, Frankenstein, is a testament to the power of human creativity. The film’s intricate sets, elaborate costumes, and nuanced performances are all a result of human ingenuity and hard work. The film’s success is a reminder that, despite the advancements in AI, there is no substitute for human creativity and passion.
The Gotham Film Awards 2025 provided a platform for del Toro to express his concerns about the film industry’s growing reliance on AI. His speech was a call to action, urging filmmakers to preserve the human touch in their work. As the film industry continues to evolve, it is essential to strike a balance between technological advancements and human creativity.
In conclusion, Guillermo del Toro’s critique of AI at the Gotham Film Awards 2025 is a timely reminder of the importance of human creativity in filmmaking. As the industry continues to grapple with the implications of AI, it is essential to preserve the soul of filmmaking and ensure that human creators remain at the forefront of the creative process. Del Toro’s bold statement, “F**k AI,” may have sparked a controversy, but it has also ignited a necessary conversation about the role of AI in filmmaking.
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