Editor 
Artificial Intelligence has been heralded as a game-changer in various industries—from automating mundane tasks to uncovering hidden insights in massive datasets. However, its foray into the entertainment sector, particularly in rejuvenating aging actors for the screen, has recently sparked intense discussions and even mockery. The latest example is the new film “A Legend,” starring Jackie Chan.
A Bold Yet Derided Experiment
In “A Legend,” AI technology was employed to render the 70-year-old Jackie Chan with the appearance of a 27-year-old—a bold move intended to bring youthful vigor to his character. While the intent was perhaps noble or even revolutionary, the execution appears to have fallen short.
Critics and fans alike have panned the AI “rejuvenation,” calling it an epic failure. Rather than invoking nostalgia or admiration, the AI-rendered young Chan looks unsettling to many, almost as if he’s a wax figure rather than a human being. Viewers have commented that the digital makeup left him with a plastic, inexpressive face, turning what were meant to be serious scenes into unintentional comedies.
The Director’s Vision vs. Reality
Stanley Tong, the director of “A Legend,” defended the use of AI as a means to be innovative, claiming that the technology was employed to create a young Chan for the film. The idea was theoretically sound—AI can rejuvenate an actor’s face, allowing them to perform roles that would otherwise be relegated to the younger generation. It’s a leap in filmmaking that bypasses the constraints of age, at least in theory.
However, the chasm between technology and artistry is evident. Machines are excellent at pattern recognition but struggle with the nuances of human emotion and expression. The controversy surrounding “A Legend” highlights this gap glaringly. Chan’s digital visage couldn’t capture the subtleties of his expressions, resulting in a portrayal that is far from lifelike.
The Role of AI in Filmmaking: Boon or Bane?
This incident brings up an important question: What role should AI play in the creative realms like filmmaking? There’s no denying that AI has significant potential. It can de-age actors, create lifelike CGI characters, and even script dialogues. Yet, creativity thrives on human nuance, spontaneity, and emotion—elements currently beyond the grasp of artificial intelligence.
Stanley Tong’s attempt to leverage technology for storytelling purposes unintentionally showcased its limitations rather than its merits.
Chinese Audiences React
Chinese fans have been vocal in their dissatisfaction, taking to social media platforms to mock the film’s use of AI. Memes and sarcastic comments abound, indicating that “A Legend” is not living up to its hype. For a culture that deeply respects martial arts legends like Jackie Chan, the uncanny valley effect created by the film has left many feeling that their hero deserved better.
Conclusion
“A Legend” serves as a cautionary tale in the burgeoning relationship between AI and cinema. While the technology is undoubtedly promising, its current application in de-aging actors leaves much to be desired. As AI continues to evolve, there is hope that future endeavors may bridge the gap between technical capability and artistic expression.
For now, one can admire the audacity but hope for more grounded approaches in future projects. It’s a fascinating experiment but not one without its failures, as “A Legend” and the reactions it spurred plainly reveal.
For more on this story, you can read the full articles here, here, and here.
