‘Electric Child’ Director Simon Jaquemet Talks AI, New Series and Adaptation of ‘The Lifecycle of Software Objects’ (EXCLUSIVE)

As a film critic with a background in artificial intelligence and a penchant for science fiction, I find myself deeply intrigued by Simon Jaquemet’s work. His latest offering, “Electric Child,” presents a chilling exploration of the blurring lines between humanity and AI, a topic that feels eerily prescient in today’s world where AI is rapidly advancing.


Swiss filmmaker Simon Jaquemet, having recently premiered “Electric Child” at Locarno, is now focusing on the adaptation of “The Lifecycle of Software Objects,” a novel by American science fiction author Ted Chiang. Previously, his work “Story of Your Life” served as inspiration for Denis Villeneuve’s film “Arrival.”

“Jaquemet remarked that the novel, released in 2010, was both intelligent and intricate,” he further added. He’s also contemplating a shift towards a series, one which would unfold post the events depicted in ‘Electric Child,’ but it would remain within the same fictional universe.

“The plot might unfold following a devastating AI disaster. Since serials provide ample room for development, they allow for a more intricate narrative. In fact, some television series today push boundaries that movies can’t match,” he explained.

Currently, Jaquemet’s latest film, “Electric Child,” is certain to spark intense debates. The movie follows a content couple, Sonny and Akiko (portrayed by Elliott Crosset Hove and Rila Fukushima), who have just become parents for the first time. However, their joy is short-lived as their newborn son falls ill. With AI technology already part of Sonny’s life, he seeks help from it when traditional methods fail.

Jaquemet shared with EbMaster that he had been contemplating the concept of this movie for quite some time now, well before ChatGPT became a reality. Subsequently, things took off in a big way, he acknowledged.

“It’s surprising even to me, how fast it’s advancing.” 

As I stand on the brink of innovation, poised to join an art competition at the AI4 conference in the dazzling city of Las Vegas, I find myself grappling with a profound sense of ambivalence regarding this groundbreaking technology.

“I took up coding and find myself frequently utilizing it. I’m really enthusiastic about it, particularly when I can apply it in an artistic setting. However, there’s no denying my concerns and a touch of pessimism. It’s evident that AI could lead to significant job losses, and as a society, we seem unprepared for this disruption.”

In the story “Electric Child,” as portrayed by Sandra Guldberg Kampp, the distinction between a human character and an advanced learning entity progressively fades away.

“The movie I created explores the anxiety around artificial intelligence, pushing its potential threats to extreme limits. It even portrays catastrophic outcomes. The storyline provokes thought: In such a scenario, what would be our role as human beings?”

He commented: “I spent a considerable amount of time playing that survival video game. You’re usually on your own, but occasionally you encounter another player. I found it intriguing to imagine if you could come across AI in such a way. This concept ties into human curiosity – we strive to see ourselves reflected in the machine and discover aspects about ourselves through engagement with an artificial mind.”

I was captivated by the remarkable film titled “Electric Child,” which was thoughtfully crafted by Michela Pini, Aurelius Eisenreich, and Jaquemet for 8horses. In collaboration with unafilm, this production was also brought to life by Titus Kreyenberg, Raymond van der Kaaij, Judith Lichtneckert, Bianca Balbuena, and Bradley Liew from Revolver Amsterdam, Perron X, Epicmedia Productions, SRF/SRG SSR, and CH Media. The sales for this masterpiece are managed by Visit Films.

Jaquemet prefers science fiction that isn’t overly dependent on visual effects, as he expressed. Rather, it delves into philosophical concepts instead.

“He pointed out that the movie has elements of realism but subtly shifts towards the surreal, all done with a shoestring budget. It reminds me of ‘Ex Machina’ and ‘Her’, but it also evokes the imaginative worlds depicted in Stanisław Lem’s books.”

Lem, a renowned Polish author who sadly passed away in 2006, is most famous for writing “Solaris.” This science fiction novel was later adapted by filmmakers Andrei Tarkovsky and Steven Soderbergh. Tarkovsky’s adaptation was made in the 1970s, while Soderbergh’s version with George Clooney as the lead actor was released in 2002.

“Jaquemet mentioned that he also enjoyed reading ‘Golem XIV’ and ‘Fables for Robots,’ particularly since these books delve into the question of whether machines can feel emotions. These works hold significance for him.”

One fact remains undeniable – his characters are undoubtedly overwhelmed with pain upon hearing about their newborn’s sickness.

“The main theme of the movie was present since its inception, despite others labeling it as taboo. Removing it would transform the film into something else entirely. Much of this technology revolves around our longing for immortality; AI might even grant us everlasting life – an existence that continues forever, within a simulation. However, I’m not convinced that such a state is truly desirable.”

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2024-08-14 20:47