Maggie Gyllenhaal Scraps AI Experiment to Turn Dakota Johnson into Marilyn Monroe
The filmmaker abandoned the project due to creative shortcomings and environmental concerns, despite being commissioned by backers to use licensable AI trained on Marilyn Monroe films
Maggie Gyllenhaal, the Venice jury president, has revealed that she experimented with artificial intelligence to transform Dakota Johnson into Marilyn Monroe for her short film Flesh Impact. However, she ultimately scrapped the project because it stripped Johnson's performance of its humanity.
The AI experiment was commissioned by the project's backers, who asked Gyllenhaal to use licensable AI trained on Marilyn Monroe films. Gyllenhaal initially went along with the idea, curious to see the results. The plan was to train the AI on Marilyn Monroe's films and then superimpose her face onto Dakota Johnson's face.
However, after working on the project, Gyllenhaal decided to abandon the AI version. She felt that it did not capture the essence of Johnson's performance, making it less moving and human. The short film, which portrays a 100-year-old Marilyn Monroe with flashbacks to her 30s, played by Dakota Johnson, was meant to be a compelling and emotional story.
Gyllenhaal also expressed concerns about the environmental impact of AI, citing the example of data centers in South Memphis. She noted that the huge environmental issues surrounding AI are a problem that needs to be acknowledged.
The filmmaker is skeptical of the 'democratization' argument made by AI software backers, citing their potential biases. Even Geoffrey Hinton, known as the 'Godfather of AI', has expressed concerns about AI and suggested programming it with a maternal instinct.
## Why it matters The decision to scrap the AI experiment highlights the limitations and potential drawbacks of using artificial intelligence in creative projects. While AI can be a powerful tool, it can also lack the humanity and emotional depth that a human performance can bring. As the use of AI in film and other creative industries continues to grow, it is essential to consider the potential consequences and ensure that it is used in a way that complements human creativity, rather than replacing it.
The environmental concerns surrounding AI are also a critical issue that needs to be addressed. As data centers and other AI infrastructure continue to expand, it is essential to consider the impact on the environment and find ways to mitigate it.
In the end, Gyllenhaal's decision to abandon the AI experiment is a testament to the importance of human creativity and the need to approach AI with caution and consideration.
