When prompted to create an image of a Trojan horse, ChatGPT can generate two fairly convincing images in about 30 seconds, allowing users to choose the better one. This level of ease and speed raises questions about the role of traditional artists and the need for tools like Photoshop for editing or retouching. The advent of AI has made such capabilities readily accessible, much like how smartphones have made memorizing numbers obsolete.
In less than a minute, we can use AI tools to produce essays, papers, photos, graphics, and videos, all for a reasonable cost. This convenience has made academic and professional tasks easier, providing more leisure time. However, this newfound freedom comes at a cost, as it also diminishes human learning and experience.
While AI can create a Trojan horse in a minute, director Christopher Nolan constructed a real-life version standing 11 meters tall, reportedly weighing 3.6 tons, which was actually pulled by people. Nolan also created a similarly sized model of the Cyclops, a one-eyed monster, which stood 18 meters tall. For scenes featuring cannibalistic giants, he used actors of varying heights to emphasize the size difference between the species.
Nolan is known for his aversion to computer graphics, and his commitment to analog filmmaking seems to intensify with each new project. 'Odyssey' is the only film in the world shot entirely on IMAX film. He places great importance on the physicality of characters, backgrounds, and effects, often opting for labor-intensive methods to capture subtle textures that younger audiences may not even notice. This dedication to both artistic integrity and box office success is what makes Nolan a global cinematic powerhouse. 'Odyssey' is a masterpiece that could only emerge from Hollywood's resources and Nolan's vision.
Despite some criticism of his insistence on IMAX screenings, viewers who experience 'Odyssey' may find it difficult to dismiss Nolan's meticulousness as mere stubbornness. The film revisits the guilt of Odysseus, who violated Zeus's laws, and raises questions about the relevance of this ancient narrative in today's context. I interpret this as a reflection of 'guilt.'
Nolan's 'guilt' does not stem from personal wrongdoing but rather from the rapid acceptance of technological advancements without proper reflection. With AI capable of generating essays in seconds, some individuals feel overwhelmed and guilty, questioning whether such convenience is appropriate. The ancient 'law of Zeus,' which encouraged hospitality towards strangers, served as a moral guideline against barbarism.
However, Odysseus's creation of the Trojan horse led to the fall of Troy and the massacre of its citizens, resulting in a decade of suffering as he faced divine wrath. This historical context parallels the collapse of Bronze Age civilization and the decline of Greek literacy during a 'dark age.' Nolan seems to invoke this narrative to prompt modern audiences to reflect critically on the implications of living in the AI era, suggesting that, like Odysseus, we should grapple with our own sense of guilt.
Just as Odysseus, who lived in blissful forgetfulness for seven years under Calypso's lotus, ultimately chose to confront his sins and return to humanity, Nolan may hope that contemporary audiences will cling to their humanity amid technological advancements.
Nolan described AI as a 'Trojan horse' that everyone knows contains a Greek soldier. Unlike the unsuspecting citizens of Troy, we are aware of the potential consequences of inviting this 'transparent horse' into our lives. The time has come to decide whether to reject it outright, to accept it while remaining oblivious, or to establish a modern 'law of Zeus' to harmonize it with society.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.