Hollywood’s latest obsession with artificial intelligence has hit a disturbing new low. “The Brutalist,” a film now up for 10 Academy Awards, is proof that the industry is so desperate to appear “innovative” that it’s willing to trade genuine artistry for cheap gimmicks. Instead of trusting their (very human) cast and crew, the filmmakers decided to let AI change performances into something that feels as lifeless as a mannequin. If this trend wins over the Academy, don’t be surprised when every movie comes with a “digital authenticity” upgrade because, apparently, actual authenticity is too much work.
And for what? The Brutalist is a historical drama spanning three decades, following an architect (Adrien Brody) and his wife (Felicity Jones) as they struggle to rebuild their lives in post-war America. It’s a deeply human story, one that relies on raw emotion.
It makes no sense that the filmmakers decided to strip some of that humanity away by using AI to “fix” Brody’s accent. If his accent was such a problem, they had options. They could have worked with a dialect coach, done more takes, or even cast someone else who fitted the role more naturally. Instead, they chose the laziest solution possible, slapping AI on the problem like a bad Instagram filter and calling it innovation.
“I have spent countless hours watching and dissecting movies. The best part is seeing how actors rely on subtle cues like their eyes and body language to convey emotion. AI simply cannot mimic that human spark,” said sophomore Melissa Marquez, a theater student.
And she’s not alone. Film lovers everywhere are calling out “The Brutalist” for its AI use.
“I think the use of AI should hurt The Brutalist’s chances of winning Best Picture. Real performances aren’t made by algorithms,” CinemaCriticJane (Twitter user) said.
“I feel that Hollywood’s reliance on digital enhancements robs movies of their soul. When art turns into data, we all lose,” FilmBuffMike (Twitter user) said.
Beyond creative concerns, AI’s role in filmmaking also carries ethical and environmental implications. The energy consumption required to train AI models is absurd, so much so that it makes crypto mining seem responsible in comparison. A single AI model can generate as much carbon as five cars over their entire lifetimes. So not only are studios replacing human talent with digital shortcuts, but they’re also actively contributing to environmental destruction just to tweak an actor’s voice. Because, sure, that’s what the planet needed.
The impact extends beyond the film industry. Artists across all different creative fields are also raising concerns about AI’s influence.
“As an artist, I see AI as a major threat to the creative sector, both now and in the future,” Rachel Vasco, a sophomore at Miami Lakes Educational Center, said. “Beyond being unethical, the use of AI in art undermines originality and can discourage aspiring artists from pursuing their passion.”
If The Brutalist wins an Oscar, it won’t just be a victory for the film, it will be an open invitation for Hollywood to let AI creep further into filmmaking. It’ll be a signal that studios don’t need to put in the effort to get things right when AI can “fix it in post.”
This isn’t progress. It’s a shortcut that undermines everything that makes movies worth watching. AI might be able to smooth out rough edges, but it will never replace the unpredictable magic of human performances. If Hollywood continues down this path, soon every performance, expression, and artist’s decision will require AI.
