Matthew Libatique, a three-time Oscar-nominated cinematographer, discussed artificial intelligence’s role in filmmaking while receiving the Cinematography Icon Award at Evolution Mallorca film festival. Speaking with Variety, Libatique addressed how AI technology is reshaping the industry and his perspective on its limitations and potential applications.
Libatique noted that while AI will not replace cinema entirely, it could significantly impact how major studios like Marvel and DC produce visual effects-heavy films. He suggested that these studios may increasingly adopt AI to manage production costs associated with visual effects work. However, he emphasized his belief that studios will not employ AI-generated actors, arguing that established performers bring irreplaceable personality and audience connection to iconic characters. Libatique cited examples including Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr., stating that audiences form emotional attachments to the actors themselves, not merely the characters they portray.
The cinematographer is currently testing AI technology alongside director Darren Aronofsky for an upcoming collaborative project. Aronofsky, who launched AI studio Primordial Soup in partnership with Google DeepMind, is exploring how the technology might shape future filmmaking. Libatique described their approach as experimental, with Aronofsky investigating how minimal input could achieve desired results while Libatique explores the opposite approach. Despite the technological exploration, Libatique stressed that their next film will remain fundamentally human in its creation, with Aronofsky engaging in hands-on directorial work on set.
While acknowledging his annoyance with certain AI discussions, Libatique recognized practical benefits of the technology in post-production work, such as correcting glare. He also acknowledged the difficult reality of AI displacing workers, though he noted that post-production work had previously been outsourced to lower-wage regions. Libatique referenced his recent cinematography work on Dustin Yellin’s short film “Goodbye Lamby,” which utilized AI to visualize concepts that previously would have required stop-motion animation.
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