AI usage in film and television is a hotly contested subject, and it seems that the moment it happens in a project, some audience members will be quick to call it out.
Take what happened with the upcoming horror film Late Night With the Devil this week. The film was exposed for using AI-generated art for quick title cards sprinkled throughout.
The conversation arose through social media with a Letterboxd review from ‘based gizmo,’ who pointed out the AI usage in the title cards and wrote, “I can’t enjoy the amazing performances and clever ending.” Others on social media have spoken out against the usage, even if they enjoyed the rest of the film around it.
Now, Cameron and Colin Cairnes, the Australian siblings who wrote and directed the film, are addressing the budding controversy. Through Variety, the filmmaking duo released this statement:
“In conjunction with our amazing graphics and production design team, all of whom worked tirelessly to give this film the 70s aesthetic we had always imagined, we experimented with AI for three still images, which we edited further and ultimately appear as very brief interstitials in the film. We feel incredibly fortunate to have had such a talented and passionate cast, crew, and producing team go above and beyond to help bring this film to life. We can’t wait for everyone to see it for themselves this weekend.”
While not directly harmful, some believe that AI will become a shortcut in entertainment and a tool to eliminate graphic designers and other artists. It was even a central talking point during last year’s Hollywood strikes, with both the WGA and SAG-AFTRA setting rules for what to do with the growing technology.
SEE ALSO: Read our written review of Late Night With the Devil
As for Late Night With the Devil, the film still received rave reviews from critics and audiences. See it for yourself to decide on the film’s AI usage.
Set in October 1977, the film focuses on late-night talk show host Jack Delroy (David Dastmalchian), who made television history when his spooky Halloween special spiralled fatally out of control. Four decades on, a rediscovered master tape finally reveals what really happened on that fateful night.
Written by Cameron and Colin Cairnes, Late Night with the Devil stars David Dastmalchian (Prisoners), Laura Gordon (SAW V), Fayssal Bazzi (Stateless), Ian Bliss (The Matric Reloaded), Ingrid Torelli (The End), Rhys Auteri (A Good Deed), Georgina Haig (The Mule), and Josh Quong Tart (Riot).
Late Night with the Devil is set for release in UK cinemas on March 22nd and streams on Shudder from April 19th, 2024.
Originally published March 21, 2024. Updated March 22, 2024.
