Andrew Garfield reflects on Sam Altman's public persona for film role

From admiration to performance

Andrew Garfield recently discussed his experience portraying Sam Altman in the upcoming film Artificial. The movie, directed by Luca Guadagnino, chronicles the historical founding of OpenAI and the high-profile drama surrounding Altman's firing and subsequent rehiring. Garfield noted that his portrayal of the tech executive is less than flattering, despite his personal history with the man.

Before taking on the role, Garfield expressed a deep sense of admiration for Altman's public presence. He specifically recalled watching Altman testify before Congress, where the CEO spoke about the risks of technology and the importance of transparency. Garfield was struck by how casually Altman spoke about his lack of equity in OpenAI at that time.

The actor recalled being moved by Altman's stated passion for the technology and his claims of caring about human beings. He viewed Altman as a courageous figure, particularly as an out gay man standing before Republican congressmen. These public actions led Garfield to believe that Altman was a purely altruistic leader with his priorities in the right place.

The reality of the production

While Garfield spent significant time portraying Altman on screen, he clarified that the two men never actually met during the production. The film involved shooting on location in San Francisco, specifically outside of Altman's private residence. Garfield noted that the atmosphere during those shoots was quite eerie because the security team was present while the CEO remained inside.

This clarification comes after Altman suggested in a recent interview that the two men had waved at each other during filming. Garfield stated that he was confused by the anecdote and replayed the interview several times to understand what the CEO meant. He confirmed that he never had any interaction with Altman and likely never saw him in person during the shoot.

Garfield admitted that he did not reach out to Altman to prepare for the role, as he does not have the executive's personal contact information. However, he expressed a willingness to meet the tech leader if the opportunity ever arose. He noted that he would be excited and curious to have a conversation with him if Altman chose to initiate contact.

The ethics of AI growth

During a Q&A session following a screening at the Academy Museum, Garfield touched on the broader implications of the AI boom. He acknowledged that the current reality of the technology is playing out in ways that are difficult to comment on directly. He suggested that the public is currently watching these developments unfold and forming their own opinions on the trajectory of the industry.

The actor expressed a sense of fear regarding the speed at which these technologies are advancing. He believes that the situation is terrifying and requires a concerted effort from those with influence. He suggested that if enough people with power were involved in the conversation, there might be a way to manage the transition safely.

Garfield's primary concern is the preservation of human autonomy in the face of rapid automation. He voiced a hope that society can find a way to regulate these systems so that people do not simply give their future away. He admitted that this remains a difficult and uncertain path, but it is as hopeful as he can be at this stage.

The role of the artist

By portraying one of the most influential figures in modern technology, Garfield is participating in a cultural examination of AI's impact. The film Artificial serves as a narrative device to explore the internal mechanics of OpenAI's rise. It provides a fictionalized look at the tension between the company's nonprofit origins and its eventual launch of the ChatGPT app.

Garfield's reflections highlight the bridge between the entertainment industry and the tech world. As artists become more involved in telling these stories, they play a role in defining how the public perceives tech moguls. His comments suggest that the narrative of the 'tech genius' is being scrutinized more closely than ever before.

The actor's perspective emphasizes that the story of OpenAI is not just about code or profit, but about the values of the people leading the charge. By highlighting Altman's early rhetoric about transparency and risk, Garfield points to the gap between early promises and current realities. This tension remains a central theme for both the film and the ongoing public discourse.