The Unnerving Reality: Unveiling the Terrifying Potential of AI Writing in 2018

AI is incapable of creating art. It merely plagiarizes existing artwork from multiple sources, combining them into a worthless blend and presenting it as something new. Both artists and art enthusiasts generally despise AI for this reason. On the other hand, producers and intellectual property holders eagerly anticipate a future where AI dominates the art scene. Despite the clear consensus on this matter, the debate continues. Four years prior to ChatGPT's establishment, Peripheral illustrated the concept from the perspective of an author, albeit imperfectly yet endlessly captivating.

Following a duration of 148 days, the Writers Guild of America strike officially concluded on September 27, 2023. However, other strikes persist. Among their demands, one particularly notable issue was the exclusion of AI from the writers' room. Studios envisioned utilizing programs like ChatGPT to produce subpar scripts, subsequently compensating genuine artists a fraction of their original salary to rectify the machine's dreadful work. The writers emerged victorious in this and numerous other disputes. Consequently, film and television projects in the United States are temporarily safeguarded from this predicament.

What is Peripheral about?

Peripheral tells the story of Bobbi Johnson, a struggling author who is facing immense pressure to write a sequel to her hugely successful political thriller, Bite the Hand. Bobbi, who grew up in poverty and overcame addiction to find success, finds herself unable to create under the weight of expectations. Financially desperate, she reluctantly agrees to use a cutting-edge AI editing system offered by her publisher, despite her preference for using a typewriter. However, she soon realizes that the machine is making changes that go beyond mere grammar and syntax. Bobbi fights against the system, but her fear, self-doubt, and the looming deadline keep her trapped. As her physical and mental state deteriorate, she becomes increasingly dependent on technology, but there's a sinister presence lurking within the digital realm. Peripheral is a chilling narrative that explores themes of social control, artificial intelligence, and the erosion of artistic integrity.

Who directed Peripheral?

Paul Hyett, internationally recognized for his work as a special effects and makeup artist, has ventured into the director's chair and delivered a total of four films to date. However, it is his extensive contributions to numerous cinematic endeavors where his visual craftsmanship truly shines. Collaborating frequently with director Neil Marshall on acclaimed cult favorites like Dog Soldiers and The Descent, Hyett's talent in creating mesmerizing visual details is evident. While his directorial projects primarily fall within the realm of low-budget horror and have seen limited theatrical releases, each carries its own unique appeal. The Seasoning House, his directorial debut, tells the gripping story of a deaf woman's battle for freedom against human traffickers. In the subsequent film, Howl, Hyett explores the terrifying concept of werewolves launching relentless attacks on a helpless train full of passengers. The Convent, admittedly the weakest entry in his filmography, bears semblance to The Nun but falls short in its imitation. Most recently, Hyett's 2018 release, Peripheral, stands as a testament to his growth as a director. Without a doubt, it is his most accomplished feature to date.

What is Peripheral’s Rotten Tomatoes score?

Peripheral received a commendable 90% positive critical score on Rotten Tomatoes, with an average rating of 6.8 out of 10. However, it is worth noting that only ten critics contributed to this score. The audience response was slightly less enthusiastic, with a 78% positive rating. Most critics draw comparisons between Peripheral and the works of David Cronenberg, mainly due to similar themes and execution. The film can be accurately described as a contemporary interpretation of Cronenberg's Videodrome, incorporating the advantages of modern technology. In an interview with Starburst Magazine, Hyett shared his thoughts on the influence of Cronenberg's style on Peripheral.

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Videodrome lingered in my mind, as I had a deep appreciation for the film. However, I desired to create a distinct visual style, steering away from the grungy and grainy aesthetic. I sought a Cronenberg-inspired touch, a unique tinge. Collaborating with Peter Taylor, an accomplished director of photography known for his work with Ridley Scott on Gravity and Gladiator, we extensively discussed how to achieve this and grant the film its own personality. This task proved challenging, as we had a solitary individual confined to one location, aiming to capture an unconventional appearance.

Renowned writer Dan Schaffer, acclaimed for beloved cult comics like Dogwitch, skillfully constructs an intelligent screenplay, largely unaffected by questionable editing decisions. Hannah Arterton's portrayal of Bobbi anchors the film, often carrying the brunt of the narrative single-handedly. Interestingly, Arterton's most notable credit comes from an Amazon Prime series called The Peripheral, unrelated to this film. Tom Conti, acknowledged for his remarkable portrayal in Nagisa Oshima's Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence, delivers an outstanding performance as Bobbi's literary inspiration. Despite some rough edges, Peripheral's distinctiveness makes it an unmissable piece.

In the ongoing battle against AI art, creators may increasingly relate to Bobbi Johnson, experiencing mixed feelings about technology. While it can serve as a powerful tool for creation, it can also pose a threat to the essence of art when in the wrong hands. The Luddites, often misconstrued as enraged at the machines themselves, actually rebelled against their employers who prioritized cost-effective materials over human labor. Peripheral pushes beyond this concept, recognizing the potential of art to ignite revolution and bring about transformative change. Unlike AI, art has the capacity to achieve this extraordinary impact, which is precisely why those in positions of power are inclined towards the idea of AI. A remarkable horror film, Peripheral inadvertently attains remarkable timeliness and relevance.