Late Night With the Devil, a retro indie horror film that premiered at this year’s South-by-Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival, has found itself at the center of controversy. The film, which stars David Dastmalchian as a 1970s talk show host who attempts to commune with evil on live TV, received rave reviews and a 100% “fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, the controversy stems from the usage of AI-generated imagery in the film.
Some viewers who have seen the film expressed disappointment and called for a boycott on platforms like X, Reddit, and movie review site Letterboxd. They believe that the filmmakers should have used more traditional technologies or hired an artist instead of relying on AI-generated graphics. The usage of AI has been described as “depressing” and has even led to comparisons between the AI-generated art and art created by human artists.
One of the leading voices calling for the removal of AI-generated imagery is Karla Ortiz, an AI-critic and visual artist involved in a class-action lawsuit against AI art generators. Ortiz argues that the filmmakers should replace the AI-generated imagery with art made by real artists. She even suggests contacting a specific artist to create new visuals for the film.
The co-director brothers of Late Night With the Devil, Cameron and Colin Cairnes, defended their decision to use AI for three brief interstitials in the film. They state that they worked with a talented graphics and production design team to achieve the 70s aesthetic they had envisioned. Despite the controversy, they express excitement for audiences to see the film and appreciate the efforts of the cast, crew, and producing team.
The backlash against Late Night With the Devil has prompted some social media users to call for a boycott on the film. However, other filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts argue against this boycott, highlighting the importance of supporting indie filmmakers in a risk-averse industry. They believe that the boycott will only draw more attention to the film and may actually benefit it in the long run.
The controversy surrounding the usage of AI in Late Night With the Devil reflects the broader debate around AI’s role in mainstream media and the arts. AI has been embraced by various industries, including Hollywood, music, and entertainment. However, its use in film and TV production was a point of contention during last year’s actors’ and writers’ strike, which resulted in contractual agreements that give directors and creatives discretion over the use of AI.
While controversies surrounding AI’s training data persist, AI art and video generation offer new tools for filmmakers to reduce costs and save time in creating assets. Filmmakers have always embraced new technologies to push the boundaries of their art, from silent films to computer-generated imagery. AI is simply another option for filmmakers and has already been used in acclaimed productions like Everything, Everywhere All At Once and The People’s Joker.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Late Night With the Devil highlights the ongoing debate around AI’s place in filmmaking. While some viewers express disappointment and call for a boycott, others argue that indie filmmakers need support in an industry that often favors risk-averse projects. Regardless of the outcome, it is clear that AI will continue to play a role in shaping the future of cinema.