In 1982, Steven Lisberger’s Tron made cinematic history with its groundbreaking effects. Though integrating computer-generated imagery with live-action footage is now commonplace, it was novel at the time of the Disney film’s release. Likewise, its focus on sentient computer programs was unique, though other films had delved into that territory before.
Recently, Lisberger opened up about how the film’s perspective on sentient programs has aged in the era of widely accessible artificial intelligence. The director explained that he and the film’s producers “were very naive back then and so optimistic.” To them, this idea of sentient programs “felt different.“
Similarly, he addressed how Tron’s effects heightened the futuristic theme of the film and made its digital setting feel real. Lisberger stated: “It was a wonderful opportunity and the tools were so amazing.”
When addressing the leaps that AI has made in the 43 years since Tron, the director says “that’s a blessing.” He does acknowledge that he has heard “people are shocked that AI is hallucinating and making mistakes,” but rather than being afraid himself, he finds these errors “quite charming.”
“I will be much more scared if AI never makes mistakes,” Lisberger elaborated. “That’s when the real problem starts.” The director, ever a forward thinker, then suggests that creatives need to harness AI instead of fearing it: “”I like to say that it’s imperative that we, as an artistic community, kick this technology around before it kicks us around. I’m weary of hearing all the dreary and apocalyptic predictions of the future of technology.“
This perspective is ironic coming from Lisberger, as his script included the villainous MCP. Serving as the ultimate threat that game developer Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges) must take down after he is digitized into a gaming grid, the MCP is a rogue AI that controls the ENCOM mainframe (and by extension, the Grid).
Despite writing an AI villain, Lisberger’s attitude reflects a willingness to embrace technology. Interestingly, this sensibility is reflected throughout the Tron franchise, as both the original film and its 2010 sequel, Tron Legacy, pushed the boundaries of what technical effects could be achieved in film.
Whether or how the upcoming third film, Tron: Ares, maintains this trend of breaking new ground in filmmaking remains to be seen. It was originally slated to feature a fully AI-generated character, but this idea, however in line with Tron as a property, was deemed too controversial by Disney.
Nonetheless, Hollywood is pushing forward with AI actors and, as Lisberger seems to support, the industry is using these tools to further itself. Pessimistic as it may be, however, the director made Tron a blueprint for caution in AI use, presenting an interesting dichotomy between his words and his works.
TRON
- Release Date
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July 9, 1982
- Runtime
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96 minutes
- Director
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Steven Lisberger
- Writers
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Steven Lisberger