From Slate Magazine · Sam Adams · · 1m 10s
Danny Boyle’s Ink Movie Challenges Murdoch’s Media Empire
Danny Boyle’s new film Ink reimagines Rupert Murdoch’s Sun newspaper empire with dark humor and generative AI.
In brief
Danny Boyle’s new film Ink reimagines Rupert Murdoch’s Sun newspaper empire with dark humor and generative AI. Boyle’s movie uses AI to create the Sun’s history without replacing workers, highlighting journalism’s physical labor. Originally reported by Slate Magazine.
Boyle’s New Film
Danny Boyle’s Ink adapts James Graham’s 2017 play about Rupert Murdoch’s Sun newspaper empire.
“It's very good for animals”
Sun Newspaper Takeover
Larry Lamb transforms the Sun from a failing broadsheet into the UK's bestselling tabloid for 42 years.
Murdoch’s Subdued Role
Guy Pearce portrays Murdoch as understated, based on real footage rather than his public image.
AI in the Film
The movie uses generative AI for 30 seconds of effects, including mice in Sun offices.
“Never do that shit again”
Printing Process
The film shows the physical labor of printing newspapers, with Lamb manually handling press equipment.
Historical Context
The Sun’s 1969 kidnapping of Muriel McKay is blamed on the paper’s reckless reporting.
AI Ethics
Boyle ensures generative AI doesn’t replace workers, but audience members criticized the tech’s use.
Film Festival
Ink premiered at TIFF, where Boyle avoided discussing AI’s broader societal impact.
The key point
Boyle’s movie uses AI to create the Sun’s history without replacing workers, highlighting journalism’s physical labor.
