The Brutalist Editor Reveals Use of AI to Perfect Hungarian Dialogue

Adrien Brody's critically acclaimed drama The Brutalist has been making waves at awards shows and garnering glowing reviews for its emotional depth and stunning performances. However, a recent revelation about the film’s use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance a key scene has sparked conversation within the film industry and among fans. Editor Dávid Jancsó, in an interview with Red Shark News, disclosed how AI was used to fill language gaps in the actors' performances, particularly when it came to speaking Hungarian.

The Challenge of Hungarian Pronunciation

Jancsó, a native Hungarian speaker, explained that Hungarian is one of the most challenging languages to learn and pronounce, even for seasoned actors like Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones. “Hungarian is an extremely unique language,” he said, noting that certain sounds are particularly difficult for those from English-speaking backgrounds to master. The challenge became evident during a pivotal two-minute scene in the film where Brody’s character reads an emotional letter to his wife in Hungarian.

The scene was integral to the story, requiring an authentic delivery to maintain the emotional weight. However, perfecting the pronunciation proved to be a hurdle. “We first tried to ADR [automated dialogue replacement] these harder elements with the actors themselves,” Jancsó shared. “Then we tried to ADR them completely with other actors, but that just didn’t work.”

Turning to Artificial Intelligence

Faced with these challenges, the team explored alternative solutions and eventually turned to Respeecher, a cutting-edge AI voice cloning technology. Respeecher allowed them to record Brody’s and Jones’s voices and seamlessly integrate AI-generated Hungarian words into the scene. The goal was to enhance their pronunciation without losing the authenticity of their performances.

“We were very careful about keeping their performances intact,” Jancsó emphasized. “Most of their Hungarian dialogue has a part of me talking in there. My voice was blended with theirs to make sure the emotion and tone remained true to the characters.”

Balancing Technology and Artistry

The use of AI in The Brutalist was limited to this one scene and was done with a great deal of precision to preserve the integrity of the actors’ performances. The letter-reading sequence, where Brody’s character’s words are spoken in full Hungarian, is the only part of the film where AI played a role. Jancsó clarified that no other part of the actors’ dialogue was augmented using Respeecher.

This careful approach reflects a broader discussion in the film industry about the role of AI in filmmaking. While some view it as a powerful tool for overcoming technical challenges, others worry about its potential to diminish the human element of performance. In the case of The Brutalist, the decision to use AI was made out of necessity, not convenience. The team tried multiple approaches before settling on Respeecher as the best solution.

Mixed Reactions

The revelation has sparked mixed reactions from audiences and industry professionals. On one hand, the use of AI highlights how technology can enhance storytelling by solving problems that might otherwise compromise a film’s authenticity. On the other hand, it raises questions about where to draw the line in using AI for creative purposes.

For Jancsó and the team behind The Brutalist, the focus remained on serving the story. “We looked for options that could enhance the scene without taking away from the performances,” he said. The result is a scene that feels seamless and emotionally powerful, even for Hungarian speakers.

A Sign of Things to Come?

The use of AI in The Brutalist is a prime example of how technology is reshaping the way films are made. As tools like Respeecher become more advanced, they offer new possibilities for filmmakers to overcome linguistic, technical, and even creative challenges. However, it also prompts important discussions about the ethical and artistic implications of blending human performance with AI.

For now, The Brutalist remains a celebrated film, and the team’s thoughtful use of AI has added an interesting layer to its legacy. Whether this marks a new trend in filmmaking or remains an isolated case, one thing is clear: technology and storytelling are becoming increasingly intertwined, and the results can be both fascinating and controversial.