Artificial Intelligence is taking over the world slowly but surely. Many people have started losing their jobs because they are being replaced left and right by AI systems which seem to do hours of work in a few seconds. Needless to say, AI is as much a bane as it is a boon. Steven Spielberg was one of the first to give an insight into a world with advanced AI in his 2001 film A.I. Artificial Intelligence.
In a recent interview, Malcolm X colleagues Spike Lee and Giancarlo Esposito opened up about artificial intelligence and the danger it poses to both the film industry and the world. While Spike Lee admitted that A.I. Artificial Intelligence was his introduction to AI, Giancarlo Esposito was firm in his belief that no matter how much technology advances, you will never be able to replace the “soulfulness” of human beings.
Spike Lee Talks about Artificial Intelligence and Steven Spielberg’s Film
The development of A.I. Artificial Intelligence began under Stanley Kubrick but when he couldn’t figure out how to create the David character, he handed the film over to Steven Spielberg, before passing away. Upon its release, A.I. was met with positive reviews and Spielberg dedicated the film to Kubrick.
A.I. Artificial Intelligence, which made $235 million at the box office, revolves around the story of young David, a prototype humanoid robot, capable of experiencing love and emotions.
Now, Spike Lee opened up about how the film was responsible for introducing him to AI In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the actor gave his two cents on the dangers of such technology and said,
The danger that A.I. could do to cinemas is nothing compared to what it could do to the world. It’s bigger than cinema. It’s bigger than music. I got to give it to my brother, Steven Spielberg, who peeped this many years ago when his film ‘A.I. Artificial Intelligence’ came out. I didn’t even know what that was until that movie came out. We’re living in very dangerous times.
Since A.I. has been advancing uncontrollably, which may or may not be a good thing depending on how you look at it, Lee credited the filmmaker for predicting the future with his film.
He had a crystal ball on that. What’s up, Steven? You know you did your thing.
In terms of cinema, AI has advanced to such a level that all it takes to create a script are a few prompts. Then, the software is able to deliver exactly what the person needs in a matter of seconds. Similarly, there are many jobs, both inside and outside of the film industry, that have been negatively affected by the growth and dangers of AI.
Giancarlo Esposito Believes AI Cannot Replace Humans
While Lee was afraid of what AI could do the films, music, and the world in general, Giancarlo Esposito didn’t seem to have much faith in it. The actor also joined in Lee’s conversation with THR and stated that AI can advance all it wants but it will never come close to the uniqueness and soulfulness of a human being.
The Boys actor also credited Spielberg for giving people a peek into the future two decades ago.
You can’t replace what’s real. You can’t replace the soulfulness of a human being, the soul. You can’t replace humanity. Machines can try but I’m sorry…We’re going to have to go through some learning to understand how to use it properly in the right way. It’s a testament to those, like Steven Spielberg, who foresaw this happening.
Esposito sure has a point. While AI can whip up scripts and songs at the speed of light, it takes special minds to write something that connects with the audience on a deep level. So, does AI really have what it takes to beat a brilliant mind? Well, not yet.
Stream A.I. Artificial Intelligence on Prime Video or Paramount+.
