Emma Thompson has expressed her frustration with the increasing reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) in writing, describing it as "intense irritation." The Oscar-winning actress and scriptwriter spoke candidly about her experience with Microsoft's AI-powered word-processing tool, Copilot, during a recent interview with Stephen Colbert.
Thompson revealed that she typically writes scripts longhand before transferring them to a computer, believing that this tactile approach fosters a connection between the brain and hands. However, when working on a Word document, Copilot often suggests rewrites, leading Thompson to become agitated. In one memorable outburst, she exclaimed, "I don't need you to fucking rewrite what I've just written! Will you fuck off? Just fuck off! I'm so annoyed."
Thompson's disdain for AI is not new; in the past, she has had issues with technology interfering with her work. During the production of her 1996 adaptation of Sense and Sensibility, Thompson discovered that the script had been transformed into hieroglyphs upon returning from a trip to the loo.
A similar incident occurred when she was working on her recent film The Dead of Winter, where her computer suddenly changed the entire script. She recounted visiting Stephen Fry's house, where he spent eight hours restoring the original text from the scrambled script.
Thompson has long advocated for authenticity in storytelling, emphasizing the importance of raw honesty in writing. According to her, focusing on genuine emotions and experiences is key to crafting compelling scripts that resonate with audiences.
The resurgence of AI-generated content has sparked a heated debate among creatives, with some, like Guillermo Del Toro, expressing strong reservations about its use in filmmaking. "I'm 61," Del Toro said, "and I hope to be able to remain uninterested in using it at all until I croak." Thompson's sentiments echo these concerns, highlighting the need for writers and filmmakers to preserve their unique voice and creative vision in an era dominated by AI-generated content.
Thompson revealed that she typically writes scripts longhand before transferring them to a computer, believing that this tactile approach fosters a connection between the brain and hands. However, when working on a Word document, Copilot often suggests rewrites, leading Thompson to become agitated. In one memorable outburst, she exclaimed, "I don't need you to fucking rewrite what I've just written! Will you fuck off? Just fuck off! I'm so annoyed."
Thompson's disdain for AI is not new; in the past, she has had issues with technology interfering with her work. During the production of her 1996 adaptation of Sense and Sensibility, Thompson discovered that the script had been transformed into hieroglyphs upon returning from a trip to the loo.
A similar incident occurred when she was working on her recent film The Dead of Winter, where her computer suddenly changed the entire script. She recounted visiting Stephen Fry's house, where he spent eight hours restoring the original text from the scrambled script.
Thompson has long advocated for authenticity in storytelling, emphasizing the importance of raw honesty in writing. According to her, focusing on genuine emotions and experiences is key to crafting compelling scripts that resonate with audiences.
The resurgence of AI-generated content has sparked a heated debate among creatives, with some, like Guillermo Del Toro, expressing strong reservations about its use in filmmaking. "I'm 61," Del Toro said, "and I hope to be able to remain uninterested in using it at all until I croak." Thompson's sentiments echo these concerns, highlighting the need for writers and filmmakers to preserve their unique voice and creative vision in an era dominated by AI-generated content.
... Emma Thompson's rant about Copilot makes sense though! I mean, we've all had those moments where the computer "helps" but really just undermines our creativity. It's like they're trying to rewrite your whole life story without even asking for input 
. What she said is true - authenticity and raw honesty are key to writing something that resonates with people. And let's be real, AI-generated content can't replace the human touch 
... I'd rather stick with my trusty pen and paper than have some robot suggesting rewrites all day 
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"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself — nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance." 
AI just got too smart for its own good? 
I mean, Emma Thompson's frustration with Copilot is totally understandable - you can't just let a machine tell you what to write. It's like, your creative vision is what makes art, not some algorithm 
! They're ruining everything, if you ask me. I mean, Emma Thompson's right - writing is supposed to be a process of pouring your heart out onto paper, not having some computer suggest what to say next. It's like they're trying to suck the soul out of storytelling.
. I've had my own share of script mishaps, but at least I can just go back and fix it myself. These AI tools are like a digital curse - once they mess up your work, there's no going back.
. She's all about authenticity and genuine emotions in writing, and I couldn't agree more. We need more people like her who aren't afraid to speak their minds and preserve the human touch in storytelling. Let's just hope these AI tools don't take over our lives... or at least not yet 
!
... I mean, it's just a tool, right? Can't hurt to have some suggestions or ideas pop up while you're typing away... Emma Thompson seems like she's got a valid point though - if you're writing something from the heart, do you really want some computer program telling you what to say next? 
I mean, Emma's frustration with Copilot makes me wonder if we're losing touch with the process of creation itself. She writes longhand because it connects her brain and hands – it's a tactile way of tapping into her emotions and thoughts. But AI just gives us instant gratification... does that really foster creativity or just ease the burden?
. I mean, Emma's not against tech altogether, but she just wants her human touch back. And can you blame her? When I'm writing a script, I want to feel the pen on paper, you know? It's like my brain and hands are having a conversation. I don't need some computer telling me how to rewrite what I've written 
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It's like, don't get me wrong, AI is great and all, but it should be used as a tool, not a replacement for our own genius 
. It's like, can't we just write the way we want to without someone else messing it up? 
It's like, how do we preserve our unique voice when the world around us is trying to tell us what's "cool" or "trendy"? 
. You know how sometimes you'd save your work only to have it all corrupted or weirdly altered? That's basically what Emma Thompson is going through, but instead of floppy disks, it's these fancy AI tools 
. Emma Thompson is totally right – sometimes less is more, especially when it comes to creativity. I love that she sticks to her guns (or should I say, her pen?) and writes the way she wants to, even if it means getting a little frustrated with Copilot 
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