French actor Lambert Wilson is not only famous for his portrayal of the Merovingian in the Matrix movies, but also for his concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on the entertainment industry. In a recent interview at the Locarno Film Festival, Wilson expressed his solidarity with his U.S. colleagues who are currently on strike with the SAG-AFTRA union, fighting against the studios’ use of new technology that could potentially make them obsolete.
Wilson, who is also a member of SAG-AFTRA, although exempt from the strike as a non-U.S. resident, firmly stands with his fellow actors and believes that this battle is crucial for the future of the industry. He argues that artists and viewers are being manipulated and kept in the dark about the true audience, how they are being influenced, and what they are earning for the studios. Wilson himself has experienced the potential risks of AI firsthand, as he saw how his own face and voice were captured and replicated for a video game based on the Matrix series. He fears that this technology could be used inappropriately in the future, possibly leading to the misuse of his own image and voice.
While not directly participating in the strike, Wilson encourages non-U.S. actors to support their colleagues by speaking out against these issues. He believes that other arts, particularly music, are even more at risk than film, as artists continuously see their work being “stolen” by large corporations. Wilson questions the fairness of buyout contracts that force artists to give up exploitation rights for their work for centuries to come, without receiving proper compensation. He emphasizes the personal nature of these rights, as it concerns the image and representation of each artist. He finds it disheartening to see his face and voice being used without his consent, without earning anything from it.
Despite the concerns and fears surrounding AI and the industry’s future, Wilson finds hope in events like the Locarno Film Festival, where he serves as the head of the competition jury. He believes that this festival, with its strong attendance and enthusiasm, shows that theatrical cinema is still thriving. Wilson mentions that being a juror allows him to reflect on the essence of cinema as an art form, what makes a film effective or ineffective, and how it can address important political and social issues. He acknowledges the difficulties in choosing scripts as an actor and admits that he is not particularly skilled in this area.
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Having worked in various countries, including England, France, Italy, and Hollywood, Wilson recognizes that there are differences in the acting profession depending on the location. He notes that the industry in Europe is more intellectually honest, with casting directors being more forthcoming about their opinions on actors and their suitability for certain roles. In contrast, Hollywood tends to provide false praise and quickly forget about actors once they don’t meet expectations. Wilson finds it difficult to navigate the world of big budgets and excesses in Hollywood, which he believes is a different planet altogether.
In conclusion, Wilson’s concerns about AI and its impact on the industry reflect those of his U.S. colleagues on strike. Despite not actively participating in the strike, he offers his support and hopes that other artists from different disciplines will join in the fight. He finds hope in events like the Locarno Film Festival, where he serves as a juror, and believes that cinema has the power to address important issues and bring about change. Despite the challenges of choosing scripts and navigating different industry cultures, Wilson remains dedicated to his craft and continues to contribute to the world of cinema.
