Steven Soderbergh Shares Thoughts on AI and His Collaboration with Meta in ‘John Lennon: The Last Interview’
Steven Soderbergh has secured exclusive access to the final recorded interview with John Lennon, conducted just hours before his untimely death. This unique opportunity serves as the foundation for a documentary exploring Lennon’s thoughts during a pivotal moment in his life.
The interview, never released in its entirety, features Lennon conversing at home with his wife and collaborator, Yoko Ono, alongside an RKO Radio team. The couple delves into the themes of Double Fantasy, the album that would become Lennon’s last, discussing personal reflections on partnership, parenthood, and their artistic aspirations.
For Soderbergh, the mission was straightforward: to present the most intimate glimpse into the lives of two of the world’s most iconic artists. He aimed to develop the documentary’s structure around the interview itself, which neared three hours, while condensing it to retain its essence.
Watch on Deadline
A significant challenge for Soderbergh was transforming an audio-only interview into a visual narrative. In collaboration with the Lennon estate, he incorporated over a thousand archival images to enhance the documentary’s storytelling. Yet, some segments, where Lennon and Ono spoke abstractly—accounting for approximately 10% of the film’s runtime—posed difficulties for traditional visualization. To address this, Soderbergh employed AI technology, introducing what he termed “thematic surrealism.”
The use of AI in filmmaking has sparked varied reactions. When Soderbergh announced its involvement in John Lennon: The Last Interview, critics raised concerns about potential misuse of the technology.
DEADLINE: How did the John Lennon interview come to you? And how did you come around to the idea of building a film around it?
STEVEN SODERBERGH: I received a call from manager and producer Michael Sugar regarding the possibility of a documentary centered on this interview, which took place on the day Lennon was shot. After listening to the interview, I was eager to proceed, particularly due to its impressive sound quality.
Soderbergh and producer Nancy Saslow faced the initial challenge of editing the lengthy interview into a manageable format. They focused on retaining the conversational flow while incorporating journalist interviews that offered insights into their experiences during the interview with Lennon and Ono.
With a structured layout in mind, they filled gaps with archival material that contextualized specific conversations. However, the abstract dialogues remained difficult to illustrate, prompting Soderbergh to turn to AI for creative solutions.
DEADLINE: Backing up for a moment — how would you describe your personal relationship to Lennon, Ono and The Beatles?
SODERBERGH: The Beatles have always been a significant influence on me. Their evolution as artists fascinated me, particularly how they balanced their early simplicity with increasingly complex work. John, in particular, was a figure who spoke his truth unapologetically, a quality I admired.
Soderbergh expressed his concern about meeting the expectations of the Lennon estate, emphasizing the personal nature of the project and his desire to honor the legacy of both Lennon and Ono.
DEADLINE: Did you personally sit down with Sean and Yoko to discuss the project?
SODERBERGH: No, we met with Sean and Jonas Herbsman, who oversees the estate, to outline our vision for the documentary.
DEADLINE: What did it take to earn their trust in this project?
SODERBERGH: It appears they trusted us based on our credentials and experience. They were receptive to our creative team’s vision despite initially expressing no interest in being directly involved.
He highlighted the importance of allowing Yoko and Sean to share their narratives authentically within the film, especially given the intimate context and the reunion with past successes during the interview.
Soderbergh was taken aback by the openness of Lennon and Ono during the interview, describing the atmosphere as one of excitement, intimacy, and unfiltered conversation.
DEADLINE: What else did you find striking or surprising about what we hear from Lennon and Ono?
SODERBERGH: A key takeaway was how love motivated all aspects of their lives, encompassing their art and personal relationships. Their bond illuminated the depth of their partnership, with Lennon describing the years after Sean’s birth as his happiest.
DEADLINE: Regarding AI’s role, can you elaborate on your process?
SODERBERGH: It’s essential to approach AI as a creative tool rather than a deceptive medium. Distinguishing between the artistic applications of AI and its broader cultural implications is vital.
Soderbergh highlighted specific sequences where AI technology enhanced the storytelling, such as using playful illustrations to convey complex ideas. He addressed misconceptions surrounding AI, noting his intention was never to resurrect Lennon through technology.
He reaffirmed his commitment to transparency in the filmmaking process, emphasizing the importance of honesty in using new tools while striving to create the best final product possible.
DEADLINE: What are your distribution hopes for your Lennon doc?
SODERBERGH: I hope it gets distributed widely, as I believe the film’s messages are still relevant today.
DEADLINE: What’s next for you? Is the film about the Spanish-American War your primary focus now?
SODERBERGH: Yes, that’s my current focus, aiming to create a larger scale project that captivates audiences.
DEADLINE: Are you considering major franchises for future projects?
SODERBERGH: I’m open to opportunities that resonate with me, though they must feel uniquely suited to my skills and passion.
