The Endurance of Slow Cinema in an Age of AI
The Allure of Slow Cinema
One of the more intriguing movements in film is slow cinema, characterized by its unhurried pacing and often excruciatingly long takes. Unlike the frenetic hyper-editing that has become synonymous with today’s blockbuster films, slow cinema invites audiences to immerse themselves deeply in the passage of time. This movement has extended its influence beyond the realm of traditional cinema into commercials, music videos, and indie films too.
Recently, I sat down to experience the masterpiece Jeanne Dielman, 23 quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles (1975), directed by Chantal Akerman. As I let its slow, deliberate rhythm envelop me, one particular scene stood out. The camera held steady as Jeanne prepared a meal, capturing every mundane detail in real time. This intentional pace offers viewers an opportunity to linger, allowing thoughts to meander, creating a unique emotional gravity akin to studying a painting for an extended period.
Emotional Depth Through Time
What is it about slow cinema that captivates so profoundly? It’s the sense of place and time that emerges through prolonged observation. As a viewer, you are encouraged to explore not just the visual narrative, but also your internal reflections and emotions. After three and a half hours, Jeanne Dielman made a strong case for its frequent appearance on “best films of all time” lists.
While Akerman stands as a beacon of this genre, she is not alone. Other filmmakers like Andrei Tarkovsky with Stalker (1979) and Béla Tarr with Satantango (1994), along with modern visionaries like David Lynch in Twin Peaks: The Return (2017), also exemplify the potency of slow cinema.
The AI Revolution in Filmmaking
As I delved into the realm of artificial intelligence, I recognized some incredible applications of this technology in my own creative processes. For instance, AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude have revolutionized my approach to running this site and managing day-to-day technical challenges. They assist in streamlining location scouting and brainstorming scenes for my upcoming experimental projects. When tasked with organizing locations in San Francisco, ChatGPT quickly generated a comprehensive plan, allowing me to focus my time efficiently.
Furthermore, AI has emerged as a useful ally in music scoring and production. It’s not solely about AI creating music from scratch but rather acting as a collaborator—an ‘assistant’ that helps weave together fragments of ideas, nudging creativity in new directions. This collaboration alleviates the solitary burden often associated with creative work.
Can AI Erase Slow Cinema?
Amid this technological upheaval, questions arise: Will generative AI obliterate the ethos of slow cinema? With AI’s rapid advancement, it’s tempting to speculate about what could be lost. Yet, I believe that slow cinema, much like human artistry, will endure.
Algorithms Don’t Have Patience
AI thrives on efficiency. It can produce a “two-hour” slow-burn film in mere seconds, complete with all the visual trappings of slick production value. However, the essence of slow cinema lies in its ritualistic pace—time is not merely a measurement but a profound experience. Fast algorithms lack the patience required to achieve this uninterrupted flow.
The Human in the Frame
Tarkovsky’s lingering shots pose existential questions: “Why is that stick floating in a pond?” While an AI can replicate the camera’s movement, it cannot inquire or ponder the significance of the stick. Lacking perception, AI sees only pixel data, failing to grasp the deeper resonances that human filmmakers seek to evoke.
Intent Over Instinct
In films by directors like Lynch, long takes are crafted as invitations to drift, to introspect upon the small, unsettling details in our environment. While AI might mimic long takes, it cannot fathom the underlying unease or contemplation that brings them to life. It reproduces what it has learned, lacking the ability to dream and inspire genuine emotion.
Collaboration, Not Competition
The silver lining in the AI narrative is its potential for partnership. AI can shoulder the repetitive tasks—testing renders and experimenting with colors—thus freeing visionary directors to focus on nuanced moments: the delicate pacing, the heightened tension, or the subtle detail that lingers in memory. This synergy offers an exciting landscape for both human and machine to coexist.
Future-Proofing Slow Cinema
Ultimately, AI is a tool rather than a tyrant. It cannot annihilate slow cinema any more than social media has eliminated quiet, personal reflection. Instead, it might ignite a renaissance where filmmakers use AI to refine and explore the possibilities of long takes, reminding audiences of the beauty of lingering on a frame.
In a world increasingly shaped by technology, there’s room for both slow cinema and AI to flourish side by side. As I continue my journey into unlocking creative potential with generative AI, I am optimistic about its role as a resource. It has the capacity to enrich the creative landscape, allowing us to continue embracing the art of slowing down without fearing obsolescence.