Hollywood appears set on mining the tech world for drama yet again, with the latest subject being the turbulent five-day period that saw Sam Altman ousted and subsequently reinstated as CEO of OpenAI. According to The Hollywood Reporter, this OpenAI movie, potentially titled “Artificial,” is already attracting significant talent, though many details remain speculative.
“Artificial”: The OpenAI Movie Taking Shape
The developing film boasts a noteworthy list of potential collaborators. Luca Guadagnino, known for directing Call Me by Your Name and Challengers, is reportedly in discussions to helm the project. Andrew Garfield is a strong contender to portray Altman, a role that seems fitting after his depiction of Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin in The Social Network. Monica Barbaro, who recently played Joan Baez in A Complete Unknown, is rumored for the role of former OpenAI CTO Mira Murati. Additionally, Yura Borisov, a breakout star from Anora, is being considered for the part of company co-founder and Altman antagonist Ilya Sutskever. The screenplay is said to be penned by comedy writer Simon Rich, recognized for his work on “Saturday Night Live” and as the creator of “Miracle Workers.”
Big Tech’s Silver Screen Reflection: A Tangled Web?
One recurring issue with Hollywood’s fascination with Big Tech narratives is the increasing entanglement between the film industry and these tech giants. This OpenAI film, for example, is being handled by Amazon MGM Studios. Notably, Amazon has invested approximately $8 billion into Anthropic, a major competitor to OpenAI. This raises questions about potential motivations and whether there might be an inclination to portray OpenAI in a particular light, even if external pressure isn’t explicitly necessary.
The Inherent Drama of OpenAI’s Upheaval
Undeniably, the drama surrounding OpenAI possesses compelling elements. It’s a rare occurrence for the founder of a leading-edge company to be abruptly removed by the board due to a loss of trust, only to be reinstated merely five days later. As detailed in accounts like the Wall Street Journal’s chronicle of the events, the saga is rich with intrigue and betrayals that could translate effectively to the cinematic medium.
Silicon Valley on Screen: A Genre’s Growing Pains
However, the roster of Silicon Valley dramas is becoming extensive, and it’s debatable whether these productions achieve much beyond inflating the egos of their subjects. The Social Network arguably remains the pinnacle of this genre (perhaps rivaled only by HBO’s “Silicon Valley,” which maintains its relevance). Yet, even that acclaimed film didn’t fully capture the extent of the greed and questionable ethics that would later define some of its characters. Credit is due to Aaron Sorkin, however, for perhaps being ahead of his time in highlighting the “bro-ish” demeanor of Zuckerberg, now more evident in his public appearances.
Other offerings in this vein certainly have their merits. “The Dropout,” “WeCrashed,” and “Super Pumped” feature strong performances and are based on captivating true stories. Despite this, they often fall short of adequately addressing the pervasive greed, corruption, and the apparent disregard for regulators and ordinary individuals who suffer consequences while these figures accumulate vast fortunes. This shortfall might stem from the narrative focus typically centering on the main figures—the Altmans, Zuckerbergs, and Holmeses—from their C-suite perspectives, where they are seldom confronted with the broader realities of their actions.
Hollywood’s Tech Lens: More Depth Needed?
The upcoming OpenAI movie taps into a proven well of public interest in tech narratives. While the internal power struggles at OpenAI offer rich material for a dramatic retelling, the challenge for “Artificial,” and for Hollywood at large, will be to transcend surface-level drama. The true test lies in whether such films can offer genuine insight into the complex ethical landscapes and systemic issues within the tech industry, rather than merely adding another glossy chapter to the ever-expanding saga of Silicon Valley on screen.
