Brandon Fletcher
During the recent Cinema Con event held in Las Vegas, audiences were given an exciting sneak peek of As Deep as the Grave, a film that generated significant buzz last month with the announcement of the inclusion of AI-generated images of Val Kilmer. This innovative approach to filmmaking has sparked discussions about the future of cinema and the ethical implications of using artificial intelligence in visual storytelling.
It has been reported that Kilmer’s estate, along with his daughter and possibly his son, have provided their approval for the use of his likeness in this groundbreaking project. This endorsement adds an additional layer of respect and legitimacy to the film, allowing it to honor Kilmer’s legacy.
Val Kilmer had indeed expressed his desire to be part of this film while he was alive, with production initially commencing in 2020. However, the project faced postponements due to the global Covid-19 pandemic and various other challenges that delayed its progress.
Tragically, Val Kilmer passed away at the young age of 65 after a long and public battle with cancer, leaving a void in the hearts of his fans. This reality adds a poignant layer to the film, especially when AI-generated Kilmer gazes into the eyes of another character and delivers the haunting line, “Don’t fear the dead and don’t fear me,” which stands as the sole clear piece of English-language dialogue in the trailer.
The narrative centers around the life of Ann Axtell Morris, an actual archaeologist whose discoveries have played a crucial role in enhancing humanity’s understanding of Native American history. The film’s tagline, “Some stories were too hidden to be found,” captures the essence of hidden narratives waiting to be discovered.
In this film, Kilmer takes on the role of Father Fintan, a priest who also embodies the spirit of a Native American spiritualist. The trailer introduces a character appearing to be in his seventies, raising questions about whether this portrayal is an aged depiction of the AI-generated Kilmer. Furthermore, many other characters in the nighttime scenes appear to be AI renderings, contributing to the film’s unique visual style. Later glimpses of Kilmer reveal a younger version reminiscent of his iconic role in Top Gun. However, his voice, while softly echoing the youth of Kilmer, does not distinctly replicate his signature sound.
The distinctiveness of Kilmer’s voice was integral to his stardom, characterized by a blend of softness and power, with each word articulated crisply and ready for audio narration. Capturing such a complex vocal quality through artificial intelligence poses a formidable challenge for the production team.
Director Coerte Voorhees shared insights with the Washington Post, noting that the film will have a substantial runtime, with the AI-generated version of Kilmer appearing on screen for a total of 1 hour and 17 minutes. This significant presence of the AI character highlights the film’s innovative use of technology in storytelling.
Daniel Mercer
