Editor's take

Steven Soderbergh's "John Lennon: The Last Interview" incorporates AI-generated visuals that fail to enhance the documentary's narrative, instead presenting a series of disconnected, uninspired sequences.

This application of AI in documentary filmmaking underscores a critical challenge: while generative AI can produce novel content, its current utility for adding depth or emotional resonance to biographical storytelling remains limited. The film's creators appear to have prioritized novelty over substance, a misstep that risks alienating audiences who expect AI to augment, not dilute, human artistry.

Future AI-driven documentaries might succeed by focusing on AI tools that facilitate research, archival access, or even novel forms of data visualization, rather than purely aesthetic generation. The success of such projects will hinge on demonstrating clear narrative or informational value, moving beyond superficial visual embellishments.