Nicolas Cage has delivered a scathing critique of artificial intelligence, warning actors against allowing AI to influence their performances. Accepting the Best Actor award at the Saturn Awards for his role in Dream Scenario, Cage used his speech to express his concerns.
He thanked director Kristoffer Borgli, then shifted his focus to the burgeoning AI landscape, stating, "I am a big believer in not letting robots dream for us. Robots cannot reflect the human condition for us. That is a dead end if an actor lets one AI robot manipulate his or her performance even a little bit; an inch will eventually become a mile, and all integrity, purity, and truth of art will be replaced by financial interests only. We can’t let that happen."
Cage emphasized the crucial role of art in mirroring the human condition, a process he believes requires genuine human emotion and thoughtfulness – elements he contends AI lacks. He argued that allowing AI to take over this creative process would result in art devoid of heart, ultimately becoming bland and unresponsive to the authentic human experience. He urged his fellow actors to protect themselves from AI interference, advocating for authentic and honest self-expression.
Cage's concerns are echoed by other actors, particularly in the voice acting industry, where AI recreation of performances is increasingly common. Ned Luke (Grand Theft Auto 5) and Doug Cockle (The Witcher) have both voiced concerns about AI's impact on voice actors' livelihoods, with Cockle acknowledging its inevitability while highlighting its inherent dangers.
The filmmaking community is also divided on the issue. Tim Burton labeled AI-generated art "very disturbing," while Zack Snyder advocated for embracing the technology rather than resisting it.
