113. Steven Spielberg: A.I. Artificial Intelligence (featuring Lee Isaac Chung)

We have a very special guest this week: Lee Isaac Chung (Minari, Twisters) brings one of his favorite movies of all time, Steven Spielberg’s Artificial Intelligence, to the podcast as his Deep Cut Pick! Isaac chats about his awe and love for the film, what he’s learnt as a filmmaker from working with Spielberg on Twisters, and his own transition into blockbuster filmmaking. 

We also discuss Hayley Joel Osment’s all-timer of a child performance, the film’s divisive ending, Spielberg’s masterful blocking, and the film’s worldbuilding and depictions of the future. 

Find the blue fairy at our FREE patreon, discord server, and our socials @ www.deepcutpod.com 

Timestamps:

00:00:00 Introducing Lee Isaac Chung

00:01:50 Introduction to Steven Spielberg and our connection with his work

00:09:02 Why Isaac chose AI as his Deep Cut

00:13:46 First reactions to AI

00:18:04 Plot summary and production context

00:20:19 Kubrick

00:24:48 Minor Barry Lyndon spoiler

00:26:24 Spoiler ends

00:28:12 Love/hate and Spielberg’s touch

00:35:38 Hayley Joel Osment’s performance 

00:41:53 Strategies for directing children

00:46:29 Act 2: Jude Law and Flesh Fair

00:52:03 Worldbuilding and depiction of AI

00:55:46 Ending

01:01:13 Spielberg’s blocking

01:09:24 Isaac’s experience moving into blockbuster filmmaking

01:13:46 Outro