tech
May 17, 2026
Soderbergh used Meta's AI in his Lennon documentary. Critics hated it. He says that's the point.
Soderbergh used Meta’s AI for 10% of his Cannes Lennon documentary. Critics slammed it. He says the real problem is everyone else not disclosing.
TL;DR
- Steven Soderbergh's "John Lennon: The Last Interview" uses AI-generated visuals for approximately 10% of its runtime.
- The AI was used for abstract, surreal sequences where archival footage was unavailable to illustrate philosophical concepts.
- Soderbergh defends the use of AI based on necessity and cost-effectiveness, comparing it to conventional VFX.
- He emphasizes transparency, arguing that the real problem is the widespread, undisclosed use of AI for manipulation.
- Critics at Cannes largely criticized the AI-generated portions of the film.
- Soderbergh believes AI will not eliminate essential filmmaking jobs and may increase the value of human imperfection.
- The film features a never-before-released interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono, recorded on December 8, 1980.
- The documentary aims to demystify Lennon and Ono, highlighting Lennon's desire to dismantle the "male rock star myth."
- The film was partially financed by Meta, which provided AI tools and funding.
- The film does not yet have a distributor.