Kathryn Bigelow Warns of a “Combustible” World, Finds Dark Interest in AI’s Potential
LOS ANGELES - Acclaimed director Kathryn Bigelow, known for her visceral and frequently enough politically charged films like The Hurt Locker and Zero Dark Thirty, says she finds the current global climate – encompassing AI development, climate change, and lingering nuclear threats – deeply unsettling, describing the world as “combustible.” In a new interview, Bigelow acknowledged anxieties about the future of cinema itself, while expressing a pragmatic, if pessimistic, outlook on technological advancements.
Bigelow’s reflections come as the film industry grapples with existential questions spurred by rapid technological change and escalating global crises. Her outlook, shaped by a career spent exploring the intersection of conflict, technology, and human experience, offers a stark assessment of the present moment and a cautious view of what lies ahead. The director, whose latest film A House of Dynamite is currently in cinemas and arriving on Netflix October 24th, suggests a shift in focus may be necessary, hinting at a potential foray into comedy as a response to the overwhelming weight of contemporary issues.
The director noted a sense of detachment from the anxieties surrounding the industry,explaining,”I do read things about the future of our industry that are very grim. But I’m also kind of detached. I don’t live in Los angeles any more. And I just keep moving forward.” this sentiment reflects a broader concern about the evolving role of film as a cultural and communicative force.
specifically addressing the rise of artificially generated actors, exemplified by Tilly Norwood – the subject of a recent Guardian article – Bigelow stated she would “never use AI for anything to do with a performance.” Though, she remains open to the potential applications of the technology, echoing a sentiment she expressed during the making of her 1995 film Strange Days: “what’s critically important is who uses it.” She revealed she is currently reading If Anyone Builds It, Everyone Dies, a bestseller exploring the potential dangers of AI, describing it as “interesting” and “as pessimistic as the title implies.”
Bigelow acknowledged the public’s tendency to seek answers from filmmakers regarding complex issues like AI, climate change, and nuclear war. Responding to this expectation, she wryly suggested, “Next time, I’m making a comedy.”
