In a recent interview, Glenn Close shared her concerns regarding the threat of artificial intelligence to the film industry in Hollywood, expressing worries over the loss of truth and human identity.
Oscar-nominated actress Glenn Close voiced her concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence in Hollywood on the entertainment industry during a stop in Park City, Utah, to attend the Sundance Film Festival. Close noted that she is trying to maintain her balance amidst ongoing changes in the entertainment industry, speaking about the importance of preserving stories that reflect human meaning. She said, “If we lose the ability to look into another person’s eyes instead of a screen, that is going to be a very slippery slope, I’m afraid.”
Close mentioned that she recently read Yuval Noah Harari’s book “Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI,” describing it as “stunning” but “more terrifying than anything I’ve ever read.” She expressed concerns about her likeness and voice being recreated by artificial intelligence, pointing out the importance of people having jobs and not letting technology control their identities. She said, “I don’t want my image or my voice to be recreated. People need jobs. It’s a sad dilemma.”
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Close is not the only one who has voiced concerns. Nicolas Cage warned actors of the need to control their likenesses amid the growing influence of artificial intelligence in Hollywood. Cage said, “This technology wants to take your instrument. We are the instruments as actors in movies. We don’t hide behind guitars and drums.” He explained how AI can alter actors’ faces, voices, and body language, threatening professional identity and creating new challenges in the entertainment industry.
In contrast, Ben Affleck believes that artificial intelligence will help filmmakers create new projects at lower costs, which will lower the barriers to entry for more creators in the industry. Affleck stated, “What AI is going to do is reduce the boring, less creative, and more expensive aspects of filmmaking, which will allow for lower costs and make it easier for more voices to enter.” However, Close emphasizes the necessity of sticking to human stories that teach us and help us understand our feelings and what it means to be human, reflecting the significant challenges facing the entertainment industry amid rapid technological development.
