Critically lauded film The Brutalist, from director Brady Corbet, has become a key example in the current debate about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in filmmaking. The controversy emerged after the film’s editor, Dávid Jancsó, revealed that AI was employed during post-production to refine Hungarian dialogue, prompting questions about the ethical implications of such practices.
Let’s delve into it, shall we?
AI and the Challenges of Hungarian Dialogue
One of the key talking points is how AI was used to address the complexities of the Hungarian language. Much of the film’s dialogue is in Hungarian, a notoriously difficult language to master for non-native speakers. Although stars Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones worked extensively with dialect coach Tanera Marshall, it’s clear that the production team found it necessary to employ a touch of technology to achieve further accuracy.
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“I am a native Hungarian speaker, and I know that it is one of the most difficult languages to learn to pronounce,” said Jancsó in the Red Shark News interview that, inadvertently, pushed The Brutalist into the AI debate. “Even with Adrien’s Hungarian background—his mother is a Hungarian refugee—it’s not that simple. It’s an extremely unique language. We coached [Brody and Jones], and they did a fabulous job, but we also wanted to perfect it so that not even locals will spot any difference.”
To address specific pronunciation challenges, the team employed Ukrainian AI software Respeecher. “We first tried to ADR these harder elements with the actors. Then we tried to ADR them completely with other actors, but that just didn’t work,” Jancsó explained. “So we looked for other options of how to enhance it. Most of their Hungarian dialogue has a part of me talking in there. We were very careful about keeping their performances. It’s mainly just replacing letters here and there.”
The use of AI allowed the team to handle the sheer volume of Hungarian dialogue efficiently. “We really needed to speed up the process; otherwise, we’d still be in post,” Jancsó said.
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Brady Corbet Addresses the Backlash
In response to the backlash, Brady Corbet issued a detailed statement to Deadline, defending the decision to use AI and clarifying its purpose. “Adrien and Felicity’s performances are completely their own,” Corbet stated. “They worked for months with dialect coach Tanera Marshall to perfect their accents. Innovative Respeecher technology was used in Hungarian language dialogue editing only, specifically to refine certain vowels and letters for accuracy. No English language was changed.”
Corbet also addressed concerns about AI’s use in the film’s closing sequence, which showcases architectural drawings attributed to the fictional architect László Tóth. “Judy Becker and her team did not use AI to create or render any of the buildings. All images were hand-drawn by artists,” he explained. Instead, the AI-generated images in the background were “intentionally designed to look like poor digital renderings circa 1980.”

Debating AI’s Role in Filmmaking
The use of AI in The Brutalist has brought renewed focus to the ethical and creative implications of integrating such technology into the filmmaking process. Supporters argue that AI can refine details and enhance efficiency – another tool in the filmmaking arsenal. but critics warn of potential overreliance, the loss of artistic integrity, and job displacement.
For critics, the risk of diminishing the authenticity of performances is a primary concern. While Corbet maintained that Brody and Jones’s performances were untouched, sceptics question whether AI’s role in perfecting dialogue delivery and enhancing vocal performances sets a troubling precedent. If AI becomes more widespread, where does the line get drawn between preserving an actor’s work and reshaping it?
Other recent films have added to the debate. Netflix’s Emilia Perez, another critically acclaimed awards contender, reportedly used Respeecher to enhance performances, blending the singing voice of its lead, Karla Sofía Gascón, with songwriter Camille to create a seamless vocal range. While such techniques are technically impressive, critics question whether they undermine an actor’s individual contributions.
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“The Brutalist used AI? To fake Adrien Brody’s accent and building designs?” posted an X user. “You mean the soon-to-be Oscar-nominated film that shoves artistic integrity down your throat for 3.5hrs?”
Posted another: ‘Both non-generative and generative AI is used in varying ways in a bunch of projects nowadays. Furiousa had it. Alien [Romulus] had it. The former was accepted and the latter wasn’t as much after we learned the specifics, which we don’t have for Brutalist.”
Another X poster expressed concern about having Brody nominated whatsoever. “My take on The Brutalist AI thing is it’s a slippery slope to award Adrian Brody knowing his accent was edited with AI. IMO altering a performance with AI like that should automatically disqualify someone from these awards shows.”
The controversy echoes past debates, such as those surrounding Bohemian Rhapsody, which blended Rami Malek’s voice with other vocalists to recreate Freddie Mercury’s sound, and Maria, where Angelina Jolie’s performance was augmented with Maria Callas’s opera recordings.
Beyond performances, critics highlight the potential for AI to displace skilled professionals. From AI-generated visuals to soundscapes, expanding technology may reduce opportunities for designers, illustrators, and sound engineers. While Corbet insists that AI complemented, rather than replaced, human effort in The Brutalist, concerns remain about the long-term effects on the industry.
One thing seems to be clear: the capabilities of AI are expanding, exponentially, at an insanely rapid pace. As it continues to affect and, arguably, have a hand in shaping today and tomorrow’s filmmaking landscape, it’s pivotal to have an ongoing conversation about the balance between technological innovation and artistic integrity.
Critical Success Amid Controversy
Despite the backlash, The Brutalist has earned significant acclaim, winning three Golden Globes, including Best Picture Drama, and securing nominations at the DGA and PGA Awards. Corbet, widely praised for his meticulous approach, remains steadfast in defending his team’s work.
“The Brutalist is a film about human complexity, and every aspect of its creation was driven by human effort, creativity, and collaboration,” Corbet told Deadline. “We are incredibly proud of our team and what they’ve accomplished here.”