Now, this is bound to make you squirm. Let us set the scene. Imagine if you were a producer-in-training at Studio Ghibli, and you showed Hayao Miyazaki the demo you’d created, only to be torn to shreds for your use of artificial intelligence.

Sounds like only a nightmare, right? Well, this was a reality for Nobuo Kawakami, who specialises in CGI and works at Studio Ghibli. He showed Miyazaki his use of artificial intelligence, in the hopes of potentially incorporating it into their production of animation. The result is animation with grotesque, zombie-like characters “which we humans can’t imagine”.

What he didn’t expect, we’re sure of it, was Miyazaki’s reaction. The iconic artist compares the artificial intelligence movements he sees to his close friend with a disability. This friend, he explains, has huge difficulty in conducting movements such as a high-five.

“Now, thinking of him, I can’t watch this stuff and find [it] interesting,” Miyazaki continues. “Whoever creates this stuff has no idea what pain is whatsoever. I am utterly disgusted… I would never wish to incorporate this technology into my work at all. I strongly feel that this is an insult to life itself.” Absolutely zero chill, from his end. Want to know what absolute anguish looks like? Check out Kawakami’s face near the end.

“I feel like we are nearing to the end of times,” Miyazaki concludes. “We humans are losing faith in ourselves.” And if you think this is just because he’s more partial to traditional ways of animation, he actually discusses some interesting points regarding humanity’s relationship with artificiality. Check out the thought-provoking snippet above.