Embracing AI in Filmmaking: A Review of “About a Hero”

AI in Filmmaking: A New Take on Storytelling

While most cinema productions encourage their viewers to submerge themselves in the story, “About a Hero” takes a different approach. This unique film, the brainchild of Polish director Piotr Winiewicz, challenges its audience to question what they see and hear. This controversial film, which debuted at this year’s IDFA documentary festival, boldly blurs the line between fiction and non-fiction, wrapping an AI-generated murder mystery around a discussion about the impact of artificial intelligence on humanity. Despite its clever execution, the film lacks a convincing argument and offers no assurances about the reality of its components.

AI and the Power of Big Names

Despite some criticisms, the film’s innovative concept and the involvement of big names in the industry should attract plenty of attention as it continues its journey through the documentary festival circuit. Interestingly, the biggest name associated with the film – the legendary Werner Herzog – didn’t actually participate. Instead, Winiewicz used an AI model – named Kaspar – to create a narrative based on Herzog’s extensive body of work and even mimic the filmmaker’s distinctive narration style. The result is a narrative that is eerily similar to Herzog’s work but with subtle differences, showcasing the potential and limitations of AI in filmmaking.

The Unsettling Charm of AI Narratives

“About a Hero” doesn’t set out to champion AI, but rather to highlight its uncanny inability to perfectly mimic human creativity. The film, which adapts the AI’s output into an increasingly chaotic narrative, both challenges and vindicates Herzog’s skepticism about AI’s creative capabilities. This makes the film a potent conversation starter, perfect for sparking discussions at festivals or during post-screening Q&A sessions.

The Mystery of Dorem Clery and “the Machine”

The film’s narrative is divided into chapters that follow a non-linear sequence, centering on the mysterious Dorem Clery. Clery, an ordinary worker at a kitchen appliance factory in a fictitious German town, is found dead under unclear circumstances. His death is possibly linked to his work on an enigmatic project known as “the Machine,” an AI development symbol. However, the film often veers away from this line of inquiry, focusing instead on Clery’s widow Eleonore as she channels her grief into interactions with domestic appliances which eventually turn into a bizarre form of technolust.

The film’s deliberate construction flaws, such as Eleonore’s bizarre relationship with a toaster, are intermittently highlighted in a running gag that loses its charm towards the end. However, the film’s interviewees, including Stephen Fry and cultural critic Charles Mudede, offer interesting albeit noncommittal insights into AI, subtly shaping the film’s overarching theme.

AI as a Post-human Construct

While Mudede is open to questioning the centrality of human intelligence, “About a Hero” doesn’t fully explore AI’s potential as a post-human construct. The filmmakers’ involvement in shaping the AI’s output, whether for reason, irony, or entertainment, leaves the film more watchable but less provocative. The film, which features a commendable performance by Vicky Krieps as the reporter investigating the Clery case, reassures viewers that traditional life and art will endure, at least for now.

FAQs

What is “About a Hero” about?

“About a Hero” is a film that blends a murder mystery with a discussion on artificial intelligence. The film uses an AI model to generate the narrative and mimic Werner Herzog’s narration style.

Who directed “About a Hero”?

“About a Hero” is directed by Polish filmmaker Piotr Winiewicz.

What is unique about “About a Hero”?

“About a Hero” is unique in its use of artificial intelligence to generate its narrative and the involvement of big names like Werner Herzog and Stephen Fry, albeit indirectly.

What is the central theme of “About a Hero”?

The film explores the potential and limitations of AI in filmmaking and its implications for humanity.

Credit: variety.com