Guillermo del Toro Critiques AI: Capable of Illustrations, But Not True Art

Guillermo del Toro, the esteemed Mexican director, recently shared insights in Esquire’s Freeze Frame video series. He dissected scenes from his latest Netflix film, Frankenstein, along with the Oscar-winning The Shape of Water and the classic Pan’s Labyrinth. As a prominent figure in Hollywood, del Toro reflected on the evolving role of technology, especially artificial intelligence, in filmmaking.

Del Toro’s Perspective on AI in Art

During the interview, del Toro expressed uncertainty about the future of filmmaking. He remarked, “I hope to have a chance to live a little more and film a little less,” acknowledging the unpredictable nature of the industry. He emphasized that the future lies in the hands of younger filmmakers.

Del Toro voiced skepticism about AI’s ability to create true art. He stated, “Everyone sees threats with AI… but I don’t think AI can do art. I think it can do illustration.” He argued that art stems from human emotions, shaped by shared experiences such as joy and heartbreak. “It’s not about the story, it’s about the voice telling the story,” he added, underscoring the importance of the human touch in creative expression.

Concerns Over AI and Authenticity

Del Toro also pondered the potential impact of AI on original artists. He joked about aging, saying, “I will be old enough to die soon.” He conveyed a sense of peace about the future, though he acknowledged concerns about the risk of losing unique voices in a landscape dominated by AI-generated content.

Casting Choices in Frankenstein

In another part of the video, del Toro discussed his casting choice for Frankenstein, specifically Jacob Elordi as the Creature. He recalled a pivotal moment during their initial Zoom meeting when Elordi stated, “This Creature is more me than me.” Del Toro recognized Elordi’s understanding of being judged based on appearance, paralleling the Creature’s experience. This insight reinforced the director’s belief in the importance of human connection in storytelling.

• Filmography:
  • Frankenstein (2023)
  • The Shape of Water (2017)
  • Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)
• Key Themes:
  • Role of AI in cinema
  • Importance of human emotion in art
  • Challenges for original artists

For more on del Toro’s views and to explore his films, visit Filmogaz.com. Stream Frankenstein on Netflix to witness his latest work and innovative storytelling firsthand.