Why People Are Boycotting A New Horror Movie
TLDRThe controversial horror mockumentary 'Late Night with the Devil,' directed by Colin and Cameron Cairnes and starring David Dastmalchian, has garnered praise for its 70s aesthetic and thrilling narrative. However, the film's use of AI-generated art in its interstitial cards has sparked a backlash, with critics fearing it could lead to a wider use of AI at the expense of human artists. Despite statements from the filmmakers and Dastmalchian, the controversy continues, raising questions about the role of AI in the entertainment industry.
Takeaways
- 👻 "Late Night with the Devil" is a mockumentary horror film by Colin Cairnes and Cameron Cairnes, featuring David Dastmalchian.
- 🎥 The film presents itself as footage from a 1970s talk show gone wrong, with themes of demonic possession and satanic cults.
- 📲 Stephen King praised the movie, indicating its strong reception among horror fans.
- 📝 AI art used briefly in the film has sparked a significant backlash and calls for a boycott, despite overall positive reviews.
- 👨🎨 The controversy centers around the use of AI for three interstitial cards, intended to enhance the 1970s aesthetic.
- 🤯 The filmmakers and David Dastmalchian have responded to the backlash, emphasizing the limited use of AI and the effort of the graphic design team.
- 💎 Critics of the AI usage argue it detracts from the authenticity and undercuts potential jobs for human artists.
- 🔍 Other productions, like "Secret Invasion" and "True Detective," have also utilized AI art, suggesting a growing trend.
- 😮 Some audience members express understanding for the filmmakers' intentions but remain critical of AI's role in creative industries.
- 🎧 The film's AI controversy highlights broader concerns about AI's impact on artistic employment and creative authenticity.
Q & A
What is the central theme of the controversy surrounding 'Late Night with the Devil'?
-The controversy revolves around the use of AI-generated art in the film, which has led to a negative reaction from viewers and calls for a boycott due to concerns about the potential impact on employment for human artists.
Who are the filmmakers behind 'Late Night with the Devil'?
-The filmmakers responsible for 'Late Night with the Devil' are Colin Cairnes and Cameron Cairnes.
What is the profession of the character played by David Dastmalchian in the movie?
-David Dastmalchian plays Jack Delroy, the host of a late-night 1970s 'Tonight Show'-like talk show called 'Night Owls with Jack Delroy'.
On what date was the special episode of 'Night Owls with Jack Delroy' aired in the movie?
-The special episode was aired on Halloween night in 1977.
What is the significance of the character Lilly in the movie's plot?
-Lilly is a teenage girl and the only survivor of a suicidal satanic cult, who claims to be occasionally possessed by a demonic entity named Mr. Wiggles. Her presence is intended to boost the show's ratings.
How has the film been received prior to the AI controversy?
-Before the AI controversy, 'Late Night with the Devil' received positive reviews, with comparisons to the classic BBC Halloween mockumentary 'Ghostwatch' and praise from horror author Stephen King.
What other productions have recently used AI art?
-The Marvel series 'Secret Invasion' used AI art for its opening credits, and the newest season of 'True Detective' also incorporated some AI art.
How did the filmmakers respond to the backlash against the use of AI art in their film?
-Filmmakers Colin Cairnes and Cameron Cairnes released a statement acknowledging the use of AI for three still images and expressing gratitude for their team's efforts to achieve the desired 70s aesthetic.
What was David Dastmalchian's reaction to the controversy?
-David Dastmalchian expressed sadness that the controversy overshadowed the work of the graphic design team and acknowledged the concerns about AI art, noting the team's learning process since the movie's production.
What is the stance of some viewers who are attempting to be understanding about the use of AI in the film?
-Some viewers, while not in favor of AI art, do not believe it warrants a boycott, especially considering the short duration of AI art in the film and the potential negative impact on the indie movie and other artists involved.
When and where will 'Late Night with the Devil' be available for viewing?
-'Late Night with the Devil' is in theaters now and will be available for streaming on Shudder starting April 19, 2024.
Outlines
🎬 Controversy Surrounds 'Late Night with the Devil' - AI Art in Horror Film
The horror mockumentary 'Late Night with the Devil,' directed by Colin and Cameron Cairnes and starring David Dastmalchian, has sparked controversy due to its use of AI-generated art. Despite positive reviews and comparisons to the classic BBC mockumentary 'Ghostwatch,' the film's inclusion of AI art has led to calls for a boycott, with critics arguing it undermines human artists. The filmmakers and Dastmalchian have responded, explaining the AI was used sparingly for three still images to achieve a 70s aesthetic. However, the backlash continues, with some defending the film's graphic design team and others expressing disappointment over the use of AI.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡AI art
💡mockumentary
💡David Dastmalchian
💡parapsychologist
💡Mr. Wiggles
💡ratings
💡film festivals
💡backlash
💡boycott
💡Twitter (aka X)
💡indie movie
Highlights
The controversial use of AI in the horror movie 'Late Night with the Devil' has sparked widespread debate.
The film, directed by Colin Cairnes and Cameron Cairnes, stars David Dastmalchian in a lead role.
Dastmalchian is known for supporting roles in 'The Dark Knight', 'Prisoners', and 'Dune'.
The movie is a mockumentary-style film set during a Halloween night in 1977 talk show.
The protagonist, Jack Delroy, hosts a late-night talk show and aims to boost ratings with a special Halloween episode.
The special episode features a parapsychologist and her patient, a girl claimed to be possessed by a demonic entity named Mr. Wiggles.
The film has been compared to the classic BBC Halloween mockumentary 'Ghostwatch'.
Stephen King has praised 'Late Night with the Devil' online.
AI art appears in the film as brief interstitial cards, which has led to calls for a boycott by some viewers.
The backlash is based on concerns that AI art could replace human artists and take away jobs.
Other recent productions, like 'Secret Invasion' and 'True Detective', have also used AI art.
Filmmakers released a statement explaining their use of AI for three still images in the film.
David Dastmalchian expressed sadness over the controversy, acknowledging the hard work of the graphic design team.
Some Twitter users have criticized the use of AI, saying it breaks the illusion of the 1970s setting.
Others have shown understanding, questioning the necessity of the boycott over a short AI segment.
The filmmakers and the industry at large are urged to consider the impact of AI on artist livelihoods.
'Late Night with the Devil' is now in theaters and will stream on Shudder starting April 19, 2024.