Fable, an AI startup backed by Amazon’s Alexa Fund, has announced an ambitious project to recreate 43 minutes of lost footage from Orson Welles’ classic film “The Magnificent Ambersons.” Originally released in 1942, the film is often regarded as a lost masterpiece, with its reputation marred by significant cuts enforced by the studio, which altered Welles’ vision. The ultimate goal of this new initiative is to digitally reconstruct some of the most important pieces of the film. These three key ingredients have been lacking for more than eight decades.
That original cut of “The Magnificent Ambersons” never got a chance with some incredibly drastic changes made. They demanded an unconvincing happy ending, going against Welles’ artistic vision. The most egregious loss however may be a four minute long, uninterrupted moving camera shot. Film lovers and movie reviewers would consider that to be a terrible disaster. The current version barely provides even 50 seconds of this important backdrop. Fans are still, decades later, left thirsting for the masterpiece that Welles had dreamed of.
Brian Rose has dedicated five years to a digital reconstruction of Welles’ original plan. He’ll be the one tasked with using that time and money to recreate all of it over the next two years. Rose intends to leverage the best new AI technology. To her, that would be a win, even if it’s used in ways like some of these unapproved projects—like “South Park” episodes.
“This project is a purely mechanical exercise without any of the uniquely innovative thinking of a creative force like Welles.” – David Reeder, Variety
The overall, historical context of “The Magnificent Ambersons” only complicates Fable’s plans further. The film’s legacy is overshadowed by the way it derailed Welles’ Hollywood career. Even in its severely shortened form, critics and audiences quickly recognized the film’s brilliance. A lot of people believe that the brutal cuts mandated by RKO Pictures cut away most of what made Welles’ unusual creation so very compelling.
The project opens discussion on the subject of artistic ownership as well as the limits of technology in the pursuit of recreating irretrievable art. Fable did not seek permission from or consult closely with Welles’ estate before announcing the restoration effort. This ruling further muddies the connection between today’s digital initiatives and past artistic endeavors.
As for Welles’ original version, Fable and Rose’s final product will be considerably different. That version was blown up more than 80 years ago. Rather, it will be a reflection of all of us – a new re-interpretation, informed by the possibilities of today’s technology and artist’s vision. Many consider this a landmark move to protect our film heritage. Some artists, on the other hand, worry about its chilling effect on genuine cultural expression.
“The estate has embraced AI technology to create a voice model intended to be used for VO work with brands.” – David Reeder
