This weekend marks the release of several films that delve into the lives of prominent figures in technology and artificial intelligence, coinciding with rising public anxiety about these topics.
Sony Pictures' 'The Social Reckoning' is projected to earn around $7 million domestically, continuing the narrative from Aaron Sorkin's 'The Social Network' by exploring the 2021 Facebook whistleblower leak by Frances Haugen. Haugen expressed that the film captures the essence of that period.
Additionally, Alex Gibney's documentary 'Musk' on Elon Musk has received mixed reviews, with Musk himself criticizing it for lacking integrity. Upcoming releases include 'You Can See Everything,' focusing on Elizabeth Holmes of Theranos, and 'Artificial,' which dramatizes OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's brief firing in 2023. Netflix will also contribute with a documentary on the Hugging Face incident.
These films emerge at a time when public concern about AI is high, with a Quinnipiac poll indicating that 73% of Americans fear AI's potential threats. Experts like David Kirby from Cal Poly suggest that the persuasive power of movies could further amplify these anxieties, potentially influencing public opinion and prompting discussions about the responsibilities of tech leaders.
Historical precedents show that films can significantly shape societal views, as seen with past blockbusters that raised awareness on issues like climate change and marine life captivity