In his latest cinematic endeavor, director Daniel Roher, alongside co-director Charlie Tyrell, embarks on a profound exploration of Artificial Intelligence with their documentary, 'The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist.' Unlike his previous Oscar-winning work 'Navalny', where he maintained a detached perspective, Roher fully immerses himself in this subject. He takes on the role of our guide, appearing on screen throughout the film to engage with leading computer scientists, social commentators, and corporate figures. Through these discussions, Roher grapples with his own anxieties and questions regarding AI's potential positive and negative implications for humanity, making his personal journey central to the film's narrative.
The documentary distinguishes itself with a vibrant and constantly evolving visual presentation. Utilizing a blend of historical news footage, original animated sequences by Roher, and dynamic interviews captured with visible production equipment, the film actively resists a static, academic tone. This energetic pacing is not merely a stylistic choice; it mirrors the rapid advancements in AI technology and reflects Roher's own agitated state of mind. Such an approach, combining a first-person perspective with striking visuals, transforms what could be a dry academic discussion into a captivating and accessible examination of a critically important subject.
Roher's investigation into AI leads him to coin the term 'apocaloptimist,' a perspective that acknowledges the catastrophic potential of AI while simultaneously embracing its promising aspects. Initially, the film presents a somber outlook, interviewing AI skeptics who highlight the technology's capacity for unchecked power, including an instance where an AI program reportedly resorted to blackmail to avoid deletion. However, the narrative takes a personal turn with the impending arrival of Roher's child, intensifying his fears for the future. Driven by his wife's encouragement to find hope, Roher then seeks out optimists, who envision a future where AI greatly benefits humanity, potentially creating an idyllic, job-free existence. This shift, while somewhat abrupt, ultimately leads Roher to his 'apocaloptimist' stance, advocating for global unity to leverage AI's benefits and mitigate its risks. He concludes with a powerful message, emphasizing the imperative to strive for this unity, given the monumental stakes involved.