Mexican filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, a two-time Oscar winner, is set to release his adaptation of the novel Frankenstein on Netflix on November 7. The film explores themes of creation, responsibility, and the excesses of human ambition, while drawing a parallel between the myth of Victor Frankenstein and the extremes of modern technology.
But why is Yiaho covering this topic, you ask? Simply because del Toro is a vocal critic of artificial intelligence. Here is why.
A firm stance against generative artificial intelligence
In an interview with the American radio station NPR, Guillermo del Toro reaffirmed his categorical refusal to use generative artificial intelligence, stating that he would use it “neither now, nor ever,” even adding: “I’d rather die.”
According to him, the main danger doesn’t come from the technologies themselves, but from what he calls “natural stupidity”—that is, the lack of discernment in how they are used and in anticipating their consequences.
Read more on this topic: Will AI replace artists?
A critique of creation without limits
Guillermo del Toro considers Frankenstein a foundational work on the dangers of creation devoid of ethical reflection. According to him, Victor Frankenstein symbolizes the arrogance of a creator who acts without weighing the consequences of his actions.
He draws a parallel between this attitude and that of certain players in the tech sector, whom he considers too inclined to innovate without looking at the consequences of their breakthroughs. This reflection resonates particularly with current events, especially as OpenAI prepares to launch an AI capable of generating music.
A reflection on the responsibility of creators
Through his work, del Toro calls for a collective awareness of how technology is transforming society. He believes it is necessary to “take a pause” and reflect on the direction our technological evolution is taking.
For the filmmaker, Frankenstein illustrates above all the tension between creative genius and moral responsibility, a theme he considers more relevant than ever in the age of artificial intelligence.
With this adaptation, Guillermo del Toro isn’t just revisiting a literary classic. He offers a contemporary reading of the myth, questioning the place of humans in the face of their own creations. His position on generative AI reflects a broader concern: that of a world where technical progress could outpace human wisdom.
Source: NPR.org
