Amazon's *Artificial* Explores OpenAI's Turbulent Leadership Changes
Amazon's *Artificial* dramatizes OpenAI's internal conflict and leadership changes, sparking discussion about public perceptions of AI.
Key Points
- • The film *Artificial* focuses on the firing of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.
- • Andrew Garfield plays Altman, depicted negatively as a schemer.
- • Elon Musk is portrayed unfavorably as a minor character.
- • The film could influence public perception of AI similar to *The Social Network*.
- • Production highlights include filming in San Francisco and Italy.
Amazon MGM Studios is gearing up to release a $40 million film titled *Artificial*, which dramatizes the controversial firing of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman during a chaotic Thanksgiving weekend in 2023. Directed by Luca Guadagnino, this comedic thriller features Andrew Garfield as Sam Altman and Monica Barbaro as Mira Murati, OpenAI's former CTO, who notably influenced the board's decision to oust Altman.
The story spans the dramatic five days leading up to Altman's rehiring, a period marked by intense media coverage and public speculation that sparked a flurry of memes and discussions in the tech community. Also featured in the cast is Yura Borisov as Ilya Sutskever, OpenAI's chief scientist, involved in the board's revolt, while Joseph Gordon-Levitt's involvement is rumored due to his ties to the OpenAI board.
Crucially, the film hints at potential disastrous consequences for humanity as a result of the actions of these tech titans. Matthew Belloni commented on the film's potential impact, likening it to how *The Social Network* transformed public perceptions of Facebook. The portrayal of Altman is particularly alarming, depicting him as a 'liar and master schemer,' while Elon Musk, a minor character, is also shown unfavorably, suggesting a significant reputational risk for these high-profile figures in the AI industry.
With OpenAI's valuation soaring to an estimated $300 billion and around 1 billion users, and Anthropic, a rival founded by former OpenAI employees, valued at $61.5 billion, *Artificial* illustrates the ongoing drama and fierce competition that characterizes the AI landscape today.