Robert Zemeckis has always been known for tinkering with new technology throughout his filmography. From using performance capture for The Polar Express to combining live-action and animation in Who Framed Roger Rabbit, the director hasn’t shied away from pushing the boundaries of moviemaking.
However, his over-reliance on CGI since the days of the Back to the Future trilogy has also been the biggest criticism against the director. And his upcoming feature with Tom Hanks has only elevated these doubts among fans.
Robert Zemeckis Has Partnered With Metaphysic for Here
Since the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strike last year, the use of AI in media has been a pretty controversial topic, as people from both sides have presented their viewpoints on it. As for filmmakers, while most biggies have been against it, Robert Zemeckis is set to be the first filmmaker to embrace it in his feature Here, starring a de-aged Tom Hanks and Robin Wright.
When it comes to de-aging old actors in major features, the output hasn’t always been the brightest, with one big example being The Irishman. But with the upcoming Here, instead of taking the traditional labor-heavy route, the director is embracing AI to de-age the 67-year-old Hanks and 58-year-old Wright.
Reflecting on partnering with Metaphysic, known for creating photorealistic face swaps, the director said (via IndieWire):
I’ve always been attracted to technology that helps me to tell a story. With ‘Here,’ the film simply wouldn’t work without our actors seamlessly transforming into younger versions of themselves. Metaphysic’s AI tools do exactly that, in ways that were previously impossible
However, not everyone shares the same enthusiasm, as the trailer for the experimental drama has failed to wow fans.
Here‘s Trailer Has Left Fans Less Than Thrilled
De-aging old actors to fit the part has often been a recipe for disaster, and fans aren’t exactly convinced by Here‘s new trailer that it’d be the one to change things for the better. Moreover, following Zemeckis’ previous history of over-relying on CGI, some stressed that casting younger actors would’ve been a better move for the filmmaker than reuniting with his Forrest Gump star.
With the film set to hit the theatres in late November, this could either usher in an era of AI-influenced films or be a complete disaster. While we should reserve our judgments till the film hits the screen, as of now, the general consensus on it seems far from thrilling.
Here is slated to release on 22 November 2024.
