Venice Film Festival jury president Maggie Gyllenhaal recently shared that she explored using artificial intelligence to transform actress Dakota Johnson into the iconic image of Marilyn Monroe for her short film Flesh Impact, which is screening on the Lido. The film, part of the festival’s lineup, features Johnson in a role that required a striking visual transformation. However, Gyllenhaal ultimately decided against using AI technology, citing concerns that it would remove the emotional depth and human element from Johnson’s performance. Gyllenhaal made the remarks during an event at the Venice Film Festival, where she discussed the creative choices behind Flesh Impact. While she did not go into detail about why she felt AI would detract from the performance, her comments highlight a growing debate in the film industry about the ethical and artistic implications of using AI in visual effects. Artificial intelligence in film typically refers to tools that can generate or alter images, sounds, or even entire scenes using algorithms trained on vast amounts of data. These tools have become increasingly popular for creating special effects, restoring old footage, or even generating new content. However, they have also sparked discussions about authenticity, authorship, and the potential for misuse. Despite the decision to forgo AI, Flesh Impact remains a notable entry in the festival, showcasing the creative vision of its director and the performances of its cast. Gyllenhaal’s choice underscores the importance of preserving the human touch in storytelling, even as technology continues to evolve and offer new possibilities for filmmakers.