The impact of digital technology and AI on the language of cinema

We are living in an era that every aspect of our lives including cinema is highly affected by new digital technology and Artificial Intelligence. In this article I would like to show how the film industry and the aesthetic of cinema are affected by the new discoveries in the age of AI and digital technology. I will explore how digital technology has transformed cinema, the opinions of filmmakers regarding new technologies, the potential survival of traditional film formats, and the distinctive characteristics of digital cinema and its impact on the language of film. It is undeniable that technological advancements have driven the creative experimentation within the film form, leading to a paradigm shift that has changed the aesthetics and style of filmmaking. Nowadays filmmakers have access to a vast array of tools and techniques that were unimaginable a few years ago. Filmmakers now have the freedom to explore new creative possibilities. The connection between film aesthetics and digital technology becomes evident when we consider the shift from analogue to digital in film production. This transformation is revealing significant stylistic impact on the works of filmmakers around the world.

The possibility of shooting for extended durations without interruption has led to new approaches to mise-en-scène and film narrative. Fluid and complicated camera movements and capturing longer takes, contribute to a distinct visual and narrative language. According to Sean Cubitt, "Digital aesthetics are not just about the tools of the trade but constitute new practices of seeing, hearing, and feeling." The digital transformation of cinema has redefined the aesthetics and style of filmmaking, paving the way for new forms of cinematic expression. It is a testament to the power of technology to transform and enhance the human experience, and it is a reflection of our progress as a species in our ongoing quest to transcend our limitations.

Many filmmakers have come to appreciate the advantages of digital filmmaking and its ability to intensify their creativity. Filmmakers such as Abbas Kiarostami and Jean-Luc Godard have been open to embrace digital filmmaking and exploring its potential to create new aesthetic and style in cinema. Both directors have used digital technology to challenge the established cinematic conventions and norms, pushing the boundaries of narrative and storytelling and suggesting their unique film styles that diverge from the conventional film form. Kiarostami is a filmmaker to whom digital cinema represented liberation from the burdensome constraints of traditional filmmaking. Kiarostami, renowned for his contributions to digital filmmaking, consistently sought and discovered the vast visual possibilities and expressive capabilities of cinema. His approach involved active audience participation in shaping and defining the film's concepts while bridging gaps within the narrative structure. During the late 1990s, Kiarostami transitioned from analogue filmmaking to digital, a pivotal shift that profoundly influenced his artistic style. The advent of digital filmmaking provided Kiarostami with newfound freedom in terms of editing and colour correction, enabling him to create intricate and visually captivating imagery. This transition also impacted Kiarostami's exploration of realism, as he embraced the symbolic nature of the digital cinema, crafting images that were simultaneously realistic and poetic. These images often challenged viewers' preconceived notions of reality, as Kiarostami continually sought innovative ways to examine the intricate relationship between reality and representation in his post-digital works.

For Kiarostami, digital cinema and its capabilities were the removal of the cumbersome rules of filmmaking and liberation from the shackles of storytelling and narrative and the domination of capital and the complex system of production. In fact, Kiarostami's approach is against the authorship in cinema which is based on the idea that the director of a film should be considered its “author”, the one creative mind or organising principle behind a film. Using a digital camera, Kiarostami also tried to show us moments of reality and everyday life that were ignored by the mainstream cinema.

Kiarostami fearlessly challenged established cinematic principles and norms, unveiling an approach that stood in opposition to the concept of authorship in film. Unlike the prevailing notion that a film's director should be deemed its sole "author," embodying the singular creative force or guiding principle, Kiarostami's vision defied this convention. Through the use of a digital camera, Kiarostami sought to shed light on moments of reality and everyday life that were often overlooked by mainstream cinema. He aimed to capture glimpses of existence that had eluded wider recognition, offering viewers a unique perspective that diverged from the conventional cinematic gaze. In his exploration of the medium, Kiarostami pushed the boundaries and opened up new avenues for perceiving and representing the world around us.

Jean-Luc Godard is another filmmaker who recognized the advantages of digital early on. He is a prominent figure among the directors of the old generation, who has consistently displayed a profound fascination with digital technology in the realm of cinema. Regarded as one of the most significant innovators in cinematic form, Godard's impact is evident right from his debut film, Breathless, where he defied conventions and revolutionized narrative techniques. Throughout his six-decade-long career in film, Godard continued to astonish audiences with his ingenious and pioneering ideas. His films were marked by their intricate and daring form, as well as their thought-provoking language. Godard's cinematic works consistently pushed boundaries and presented viewers with complex challenges, making him a true visionary in the art of filmmaking.

By Godard the new forms and aesthetics have emerged in relation to his late digital films, a so-called “digital trilogy” including Film Socialism (2010), Goodbye to Language (2014) and The Image Book (2018). Goodbye to Language was Godard’s only foray into 3D filmmaking, using digital cameras of varying quality and looks, teasing a narrative that is ultimately pointless. The ability of digital technology to immerse the audience in the authenticity of a situation fascinated Godard, and he recognized its potential as a powerful cinematic device.

Artificial intelligence’s usage in film industry is expanding. Filmmakers can now use AI algorithms to analyse significant amounts of information, helping in decision-making processes such as script selection and marketing strategies. AI-powered tools also assist in video editing, automating repetitive tasks and offering intelligent suggestions for enhancing the visual narrative. AI offers valuable insights and automation. As the film industry continues to use AI and digital technology, it opens up endless possibilities for new narrative and visual styles, ensuring that the magic of cinema intensifies in the age of AI.

Now we see how AI has emerged as a scriptwriting machine, which will change the creative aspect of cinema. Through advanced natural language processing and machine learning techniques, AI can analyze vast amounts of information from existing scripts, film genres, and storytelling elements. AI can generate plots, narrative structure, characters, and dialogues that align with specific styles and genres. By using the existing patterns and nuances within narratives, AI can offer fresh perspectives, suggesting innovative twists and turns that challenge traditional and classic narrative forms.

However there are purist filmmakers, cinephiles, and archivists who still believe in traditional film formats. They argue that analogue filmmaking possesses a unique quality and authenticity that digital filmmaking cannot replicate entirely. But we should remember that the power of cinema to captivate and inspire audiences remains undiminished, regardless of the format or medium used to create it.

However, while AI offers unprecedented efficiency and inspiration in scriptwriting, we shouldn’t forget that human intuition, emotions, and unique insights continue to be essential elements in crafting truly resonant and authentic cinematic experiences.