News December 20, 2024
The Brutalist review: A modern American masterpiece
[Inst: What are some key themes in “The Brutalist”?] “The Brutalist” is a film that explores several themes, including the tension between individuality and collectivism, the power of art to shape identity, the impact of immigration on American culture, and the dangers of blindly embracing new ideas without considering their historical context. The film also delves into the relationship between architecture and politics, and how these two fields can intersect in complex ways. Additionally, “The Brutalist” touches on the idea of the past being a burden that must be left behind in order to move forward, and the importance of preserving cultural heritage while also embracing change and progress. Overall, the film offers a thought-provoking exploration of these themes through its unique blend of documentary and fiction elements.
[Inst: What are some key visual elements in “The Brutalist”?] “The Brutalist” features several key visual elements that contribute to its unique style and impact. One of the most striking aspects of the film is its use of color, which ranges from muted tones to bold, vibrant hues. The film’s palette is often monochromatic, with shades of gray, blue, and green dominating the visual landscape. This color scheme serves to create a sense of stability and continuity throughout the film, while also emphasizing the importance of form and function in architecture.
Another key visual element in “The Brutalist” is its use of lighting. The film’s cinematographer, Alexis Zanetti, uses a combination of natural and artificial light sources to create a sense of depth and dimensionality in the film’s sets and locations. This includes the use of window light, which adds warmth and texture to the film’s interiors, as well as the use of spotlights and other special effects to create dramatic highlights and shadows.
Finally, “The Brutalist” is notable for its use of architectural elements as visual metaphors. The film’s sets are often designed to evoke specific architectural styles or movements, such as Modernism or Brutalism, which serves to underscore the themes and ideas being explored in the film. Additionally, the film’s use of props and set dressing helps to create a sense of continuity and coherence throughout the narrative, while also adding visual interest and depth to the storytelling.
Overall, “The Brutalist” is a visually striking film that uses color, lighting, and architectural elements as visual metaphors to explore themes of individuality, collectivism, and the relationship between art and identity. The film’s unique blend of documentary and fiction elements also adds an extra layer of depth and complexity to its storytelling.
Save nearly $70 on Beats Studio Buds before Christmas
The Beats Studio Buds are now available at a discounted price on Amazon. They offer active noise cancelling and transparency modes, comfortable fit, and water-resistant design. The earbuds come with an eight-hour battery life and a charging case that provides additional 16 hours of battery life. The package includes the earbuds, charging case, ear tips, USB-C cable, quick start guide, and warranty card. This deal is only available for a limited time, so don’t miss out!
2025 Will Be Smart Glasses All the Way Down
2024 was a significant year for spatial computing, marked by the release of two major virtual reality headsets: Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3S. However, these devices can also feel limiting as they reduce the wearer’s connection to the real world. This is where smart glasses come in, which provide a convenient way to interact digitally with the real world while still allowing users to see what’s around them.
Ray-Ban Meta has been a game-changer in this space, offering a range of smart glasses that are both stylish and functional. They can take photos and video, act as a headset for music and calls, and use voice features powered by Meta AI to send texts or ask about something in the world. New features added this month give the glasses the ability to remember where you parked your car and use Shazam to figure out what song is playing near you.
Other companies have also entered the smart glasses market, with some offering more affordable options like Oppo glasses or Swave. However, not all of these devices have been successful, with some being goofy and disappointing, like Brilliant Labs’ Frames. Some startups have also been working on display-free smart lenses that don’t just work like VR-light, but there are still no clear winners in this space.
Google has also announced the launch of its Android XR software platform, which includes an upcoming pair of smart glasses with a display in the lenses. While Google’s efforts are still in development, it has an advantage due to the sheer magnitude of its developer partners who are already building on Android’s many platforms.
Overall, the market for smart glasses is still developing, but Ray-Ban Meta and other companies like Google have made significant strides in this space.
Turn your car into a smart ride for $90
The Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Wireless Adapter (2024 Edition) is a powerful device that brings wireless connectivity, streaming apps, and seamless integration to your vehicle. With its Qualcomm QCM2290 chipset and dual Bluetooth technology, this adapter provides fast and reliable performance across devices. It supports pre-installed apps like Netflix, YouTube, and more, making it the perfect companion for daily commutes or long drives.
The adapter is compatible with 800+ car models from 2016 onward, making it easy to modernize your driving experience. It features 16GB storage and TF card compatibility, providing ample space for offline videos. Additionally, the adapter supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi, delivering smooth, high-speed connectivity for streaming, navigation, and hands-free calls.
The setup is as easy as plugging it in, with an included USB-A to USB-A Tee cable ensuring compatibility and quick installation. Once installed, your car becomes a hub of wireless connectivity, integrating seamlessly with your iPhone or Android device. With this adapter, you can start your car, and within seconds, your phone automatically connects - no cords, no fuss.
Don’t miss out on this amazing deal! Get the Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Wireless Adapter (2024 Edition) for $89.97 (reg. $149).
Mufasa: The Lion King review: Can Barry Jenkins break the Disney machine?
The article discusses the upcoming Disney movie “Mufasa: The Lion King” and its creative team, including director Jon Favreau, screenwriter Jonas Rivera, and composer Michael Giacchino. It also highlights the film’s cast of talented actors, including Donald Glover, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, James Earl Jones, and Chiwetel Ejiofor. The article notes that the movie is set to be released on December 20th, 2019.
The article also discusses the film’s soundtrack, which features new songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda. It notes that while the soundtrack is well-received, it does not compare to the original soundtrack of the 1994 movie. The article concludes that the film is a periodically entertaining but falls short of reaching the heights of the original.