Late Night with the Devil (2024) Movie Review | David Dastmalchian | Shudder
TLDRThe video discusses the new found footage horror film 'Late Night with the Devil,' which has sparked controversy due to its use of AI-generated images. The reviewer acknowledges the complex issue of AI in film but ultimately praises the movie for its originality, strong performances, and 70s aesthetic. Despite some narrative shortcomings and a divisive ending, the film is recommended for horror fans, scoring a 3.8 out of 5.
Takeaways
- 🎬 The film 'Late Night with the Devil' is a found footage horror movie that has sparked controversy due to its use of AI-generated images.
- 📺 The movie premiered at South by Southwest and received positive reviews, but has faced backlash from some due to the AI controversy.
- 🖼️ The directors confirmed that AI was used for three still images in the film, which were further edited and briefly featured.
- 💭 The use of AI in the film industry is a complex issue, with concerns about job loss for visual artists and the potential for AI to replace human creativity.
- 🎥 The critic acknowledges the AI situation but still watched the movie, appreciating the discussions about filmmaking processes.
- 🌟 The critic praises the film for its originality, strong performances, and effective use of practical effects and 70s aesthetics.
- 🍿 The critic enjoyed the movie's balance of campiness and genuine horror, as well as the psychological aspects of belief and the supernatural.
- 🎭 The performances of the cast, particularly David淡然, are highlighted as strong points of the film.
- 🎞️ The film's pacing and structure are commended, with each segment building up to a shocking ending.
- 🎶 A minor criticism is the lack of a strong score or soundtrack, which could have enhanced the film's atmosphere.
- 📝 The script could have provided more nuance and depth, particularly regarding the satanic cult storyline and certain character interactions.
Q & A
What is the main theme of the film 'Late Night with the Devil'?
-The main theme of the film revolves around a 1970s variety and late-night talk show host, Jack Delroy, who interviews a psychic and a clairvoyant on live television to boost ratings, leading to suspenseful and horror-filled events.
What controversy is the film 'Late Night with the Devil' involved in?
-The film has been involved in controversy due to the use of AI-generated images during its production, which has sparked discussions and debates about the role of AI in the film industry and its potential impact on traditional artistry and job security.
How did the directors address the AI controversy?
-The directors confirmed the use of AI for three still images in the film and expressed that they experimented with AI in conjunction with their graphics and production design team to achieve the desired aesthetic. They also highlighted the efforts of the cast and crew in bringing the film to life.
What is the reviewer's stance on the use of AI in the film industry?
-The reviewer acknowledges the complexity and sensitivity of the issue, recognizing the potential for AI to replace human jobs and cut corners. However, they also suggest that AI can be used as a tool or resource, rather than a complete substitute for human creativity.
What did the reviewer think about the performances in 'Late Night with the Devil'?
-The reviewer found the performances entertaining and believable, with particular praise for the young girl who played Lily and David Desan, who was highlighted as the MVP of the movie for his charismatic and layered portrayal of the late-night show host.
How does the film 'Late Night with the Devil' use the found footage technique?
-The found footage technique is used effectively in the film, not just as a gimmick, but to create a sense of realism and immersion. It contributes to the suspense and horror elements of the story, making the audience feel as if they are part of the live television broadcast.
What aspects of the film did the reviewer find particularly impressive?
-The reviewer was impressed by the film's ability to balance a 70s campy approach with genuine tense and horror-filled moments, the great job in directing, the impressive cinematography and production design, and the effective use of practical effects.
What were the reviewer's criticisms of 'Late Night with the Devil'?
-The reviewer felt that the film could have benefited from a more ambiguous ending, a stronger score or soundtrack to enhance the tense moments, more nuanced storytelling, and additional scenes to explore certain aspects of the plot and character relationships.
What is the reviewer's overall rating for 'Late Night with the Devil'?
-The reviewer gave 'Late Night with the Devil' a solid rating of 3.8 out of 5, indicating that despite some criticisms, they found the film to be a very solid and original horror film.
How did the reviewer suggest viewers approach the decision to watch 'Late Night with the Devil'?
-The reviewer encouraged viewers to do their own research and make their own decision on whether to watch the film, based on their personal opinions and stances on issues like the use of AI in film production.
What is the release date and availability for 'Late Night with the Devil'?
-'Late Night with the Devil' was available in theaters and on Shudder for streaming on April 19th.
Outlines
🎥 Introduction and AI Controversy
The video begins with an introduction to the film 'Late Night with the Devil,' which has garnered attention due to its use of AI-generated images. The reviewer acknowledges the controversy surrounding the film's Premiere at South by Southwest and discusses the public's reaction to the AI usage. The directors have addressed the issue, confirming the limited use of AI for three still images in the film. The reviewer expresses a complex stance on the use of AI in the film industry, recognizing the potential job loss for visual artists but also the opportunity for AI to serve as a tool rather than a replacement for human creativity.
🎬 Film Synopsis and Director's Statement
The paragraph delves into the film's plot, which revolves around a 1970s variety show host, Jack Delroy, who interviews a psychic and a clairvoyant on live television. The reviewer praises the sibling directors for their ability to balance the film's tone and create a tense atmosphere. The discussion continues with the reviewer's appreciation for the film's cinematography, production design, and the use of found footage. The performances, particularly that of David淡然, are highly commended, and the reviewer hopes for more leading roles for the actor. The psychological aspects of the film are also highlighted as effectively handled.
🍿 Critique and Final Thoughts
In the final paragraph, the reviewer discusses the film's shortcomings, including the underdevelopment of certain plot points and the lack of a nuanced exploration of satanic cults. The reviewer also wishes for more depth in the story and additional locations to enhance the narrative. Despite these critiques, the film is appreciated for its solid production design and performances. The reviewer gives 'Late Night with the Devil' a score of 3.8 out of 5 and encourages viewers to make their own decisions about watching the film, considering the AI controversy and their personal opinions.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡AI generated images
💡Film controversy
💡Late Night with the Devil
💡Film review
💡Independent films
💡David DeSanctis
💡Practical effects
💡Psychological horror
💡Cults
💡Filmmaking process
💡Cinematography
Highlights
The review is about the film 'Late Night with the Devil', a found footage horror movie that premiered at South by Southwest and is now available for streaming on Shudder.
The film has generated controversy due to the use of AI-generated images in its production.
The directors confirmed the use of AI in the film and explained that it was used for three still images which were further edited and appeared briefly in the movie.
The reviewer acknowledges the complexity of AI in the film industry, expressing understanding for the concerns of visual artists who have lost jobs due to AI.
Despite knowing about the AI controversy, the reviewer decided to watch the movie to have an informed opinion and to engage in discussions about the film-making process.
The reviewer appreciates the film's originality and the effort put into the artistic craftsmanship, despite the AI controversy.
The film's plot revolves around a late-night talk show host who interviews a psychic and a clairvoyant on live television to boost ratings.
The reviewer praises the sibling directors for their ability to balance the 70s campy approach with genuine horror and suspense.
The cinematography and production design, including hair and makeup, are highlighted for effectively recreating the 1970s era.
The use of found footage is noted as effective and not just a gimmick.
Performances, especially from the young girl playing Lily and David Rasche as the late-night host, are commended for their believability and contribution to the film's atmosphere.
The psychological aspects of the film, including the belief in spirits and demons, are handled well and create unsettling moments.
The film is praised for its pacing and build-up of atmosphere, leading to a shocking ending.
The reviewer notes that the film is not perfect, with some aspects such as the ending and the lack of a strong musical score detracting from the overall experience.
The script could have provided more nuance and depth, particularly in exploring the satanic cult elements and the relationship between certain characters.
The reviewer gives 'Late Night with the Devil' a score of 3.8 out of 5, recommending it as a solid original horror film worth watching.
The AI controversy is deemed important for discussion, but it should not overshadow the film's merits.