Jackie Chan’s latest film has sparked controversy because it uses artificial intelligence (AI) to de-age the action legend. Implementing this new technology has also raised concerns about an overreliance on stunt doubles.
“A Legend,” billed as a follow-up to the 2005 film “The Myth,” premiered in China on July 10th, starring Jackie Chan and Zhang Yixing. The film follows an archaeology professor, played by Chan, who stumbles upon mysterious artefacts that send him back in time to the Western Han dynasty (206 BC-9 AD).
He fights to defend his nation and embarks on a romantic adventure there. The film’s AI de-ageing technology to create a young Jackie Chan is a major selling point and a significant technological leap.
AI Face-Swapping Sparks Debate in Jackie Chan’s ‘A Legend’
Praising the technological advancements, the film’s director, Stanley Tong Kwai-lai, endorsed its use. “AI technology has broken the limitations of traditional special effects, bringing infinite possibilities to filmmaking; it allows actors to relive their youthful days.”
Bona Film Group CEO and the film’s producer, Yu Dong, believe AI technology enhances the story’s realism and audience engagement. “It is the perfect combination of technology and cinema,” said Yu.
A Legend’s producer, Yu Dong, boldly claimed the film to be Jackie Chan’s most vital work in a decade. The 70-year-old Chan, a world-renowned Chinese action star and martial arts legend, boasts numerous accolades, including an honorary Oscar in 2016.
Despite his impressive career and legendary status, Chan’s recent films haven’t garnered critical praise, and social media discussions have alluded to his age. Unfortunately, the AI de-aging effort in A Legend hasn’t won over critics either.
Can AI Create a Convincing Younger Jackie Chan?
Online critics have pointed out that the AI-de-aged Chan bears a stronger resemblance to his son, Jaycee Fong Jo-ming, than his younger self. Furthermore, concerns have been raised that the technology creates an uncanny valley effect, making Chan’s expressions appear unnatural and hindering his ability to emote, unintentionally turning severe moments into comedic ones.
“Sorry, but this AI is too distracting. When Zhang Yixing dies in the ancient setting, Jackie Chan, with an AI face, looks like he is smirking. It made the entire movie theatre laugh,” said one commenter.
The film’s extensive use of AI has fueled speculation about an overreliance on stunt doubles. However, Chan’s supporters have countered this by sharing behind-the-scenes footage showcasing his dedication to the film, including him clad in armor and riding a horse.
On the other hand, some critics have pointed to images of stunt doubles used in wide shots as proof of Chan’s alleged “laziness.”
“An elderly actor using a stunt double for dangerous scenes is acceptable, but if audiences buy tickets expecting to see the 70-year-old Jackie Chan performing stunts, only to be presented with a double with a digitally altered young face, they will feel cheated,” said one critic, as reported by South China Morning Post.
Despite the film’s Chinese distributor’s silence on the controversy, criticism continues to plague the production.
“Not only is there an AI Jackie Chan, but also a plastic surgery-enhanced Zhang Yixing. With the female character choosing Chan over Zhang in the romantic love line the film really illustrates that AI is replacing humans,” said one critic.
Another added: “This is a failed AI movie experiment and proves that AI cannot replace real acting. It lacks any sense of vitality.”
The debate surrounding A Legend’s use of AI de-ageing echoes concerns voiced by tech giants like Elon Musk, who previously warned about the potential dangers of artificial intelligence.
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