Eli Roth‘s statements regarding the use of AI in Ice Cream Man have sparked controversy and called the entire film into question. The acclaimed director developed a reputation for provoking extreme reactions with his previous films. However, most of the outrage over his latest movie is about what happened behind the scenes rather than on the screen.
The controversy began just before the film’s release. In an August 3rd interview with Polygon, Roth discussed Ice Cream Man and the craft behind it. Specifically, he discussed an animated sequence that was inspired by the black-and-white cartoons of Fleischer Studios and Walt Disney.
“I have an animation background and I drew it,” Roth claimed. He further mentioned working with an animation team and describing what he wanted. However, Roth claimed credit for the initial designs, concluding “…I sat there and I drew out the frames that I wanted, and I tried to match the style of the 1920s haunted Mickey Mouse cartoons.”
However, a version of Ice Cream Man sent to film critics credited AI visual effects company Dark Half in the closing credits. Polygon asked Roth about Dark Half’s role in the film in a follow up report. This time, Roth admitted to the movie using AI in some sequences.
“I misspoke,” Roth stated. “AI was used in a very small portion of a few scenes in the film. It was an opportunity where technology and creativity came together to help bring my vision for the film to life.”
Ice Cream Man’s AI use undermines trust in promised practical effects
Roth’s clarification was quick to inspire vitriol in the horror press and from horror buffs on social media. Some have sworn off seeing Ice Cream Man, with those who have seen it criticizing the AI animated sequence. This is unsurprising given the genre’s history of supporting artistic innovation and creative concepts over big budgets and digital effects.
Horror fans generally possess a fierce independent streak. They like to root for the little guy and will shun any production that appears to disrespect the creators behind it. This attitude has become more prevalent in recent years, as some studios tried to replace artists on every level with AI.
It should be noted that Eli Roth did use practical effects in Ice Cream Man along with AI. There are no credible claims that the entire film was entirely AI-generated. And yet, the perception that Roth may have tried to hide his use of AI has certainly hurt his reputation with the audience he needed to impress. It also has that audience second guessing how much of the movie might be artificial. However, it remains to be seen how this controversy will affect the film at the box office.
