Summary
Tim Burton weighed in on the current trend of Artificial Intelligence in the art sphere and how he feels about the technology used to replicate the iconic style that has become his calling card and legacy.
Burton has been a central pillar of goth integration into the Hollywood film industry for decades, with his most popular work including iconic films likeBeetlejuice,Edward Scissorhands,and stop motion masterpieceCorpse Bride, all staples of early gothic and horror film media. Additionally, Burton has also lent his unique sensibilities to other genres and IPs, including directing the sci-fiPlanet of the Apesand two DC projects in 1989’sBatmanand 1992’sBatman Returns,the former of which hasgotten the silent movie treatmentvia a fan-made tribute to the director and his work.
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Despite being a traditional creative, the Hollywood legend has recently been forced to address AI invading creative spaces, a threat partially responsible for theWGA and SAG-AFTRA strikethat recently concluded. Speaking toThe Independentabout a story from Buzzfeed released earlier in the year in which AI was used to render Disney characters in his iconic style, the filmmaker had quite a strong opinion. “They had AI do my versions of Disney characters!” Burton remarked. “I can’t describe the feeling it gives you. It reminded me of when other cultures say, ‘Don’t take my picture because it is taking away your soul.’”
The article featured AI-generated images ofFrozen’s Elsa and Aurora fromSleeping Beautydone up in Burton’s signature modern gothic style, with the filmmaker admitting that the photos were good. “What it does is it sucks something from you,” Burton said despite his admission. “It takes something from your soul or psyche; that is very disturbing, especially if it has to do with you. It’s like a robot taking your humanity, your soul.” The use of AI has inspired similarly negative feelings in others within the industry, as expressed when aMandaloriancast member detailed being pressured into getting digitally scannedfor use by AI.
Hollywood companies using AI to undermine the involvement of those who make projects a reality has been foretold, most famously in an episode ofBojack Horsemanthat predicted the AI strategy8 years ago. Burton’s comments are simply the latest in what has become a consensus among those who create the projects that have made Hollywood what it is today. Staying the wave of this worrying trend was an essential target of both strikes.
