The Future of Cinema: Robert Zemeckis and the Controversial Use of AI Deepfakes in "Here"
Robert Zemeckis, renowned for his groundbreaking work in films like Forrest Gump and Cast Away , has stirred up debate in Hollywood with his latest film, Here . The drama, based on Richard McGuire's graphic novel, delves into the concept of time, showing the same space over different periods, from the dawn of history to far into the future. While the film has sparked mixed reactions, the real focus of the conversation has been on the use of cutting-edge technology—specifically AI deepfakes.
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What sets Here apart from other films is its innovative approach to portraying aging characters. Instead of casting different actors to play younger or older versions of the protagonists, Zemeckis used Metaphysic Live, a sophisticated AI tool known as the Neural Performance Toolset (NPT). This technology enables filmmakers to seamlessly swap faces and even de-age actors, creating a stunning visual continuity. For Here , this meant allowing Tom Hanks and Robin Wright to embody their characters across multiple eras, transforming them into younger versions of themselves without needing a second actor.
The technology behind this leap in filmmaking isn't new—Metaphysic Live has been used in various high-profile projects, such as creating a deepfake of Elvis Presley on America’s Got Talent . However, Here represents the first instance where such deepfakes were done live on set, a huge leap for both the industry and digital effects. The use of AI to digitally manipulate actors' appearances has opened up new creative possibilities, allowing filmmakers to blur the lines between different time periods and create an entirely new visual language.
Yet, not everyone is enthusiastic about this new era in filmmaking. Actress and director Lisa Kudrow, famous for her role in Friends , voiced her concerns about AI’s growing presence in Hollywood. On a podcast, she expressed fears that such technology could ultimately harm the industry. She argued that AI could lead to the demise of traditional acting, where actors might no longer need to physically age or change for different scenes. Instead, they could just watch playback of their digital selves at different ages, effectively "recycling" their own performances. For Kudrow, this raises the worrying question: What happens to the future of actors, particularly up-and-coming talents, if everything becomes about licensing and digital manipulation?
However, Tom Hanks, one of the key stars of Here , sees the technology differently. He views it as just another tool for filmmakers, similar to improvements in film stock or more advanced projection techniques. According to Hanks, it's simply an enhancement of cinema, nothing more sinister than the various tools the industry has always used to create immersive storytelling.
Despite the polarized opinions, it’s clear that Here has opened a new chapter in how AI is used in film production. As the boundaries between real and artificial become increasingly blurred, the question remains: Where do we draw the line? Will AI become an invaluable asset in filmmaking, or will it lead to an era of soulless, digitized performances? Only time will tell, but Here certainly gives us a glimpse into the future.
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