W46: Weekend
The next six weeks promise the usual combination of cheer, weariness, anticipation, disruption, hustle, and bustle of the holidays. While all that's yet to come, it's also a time to get ready for the new year and build a perspective for where you want to go. Here are a few things to think about.
The Count of Monte Cristo returns to the screen in one of the most acclaimed films of Cannes 2024. With a trailer now available, we can collectively gear up for a solid take on the classic. This might be the movie of 2024 - amongst so many -quels and franchises - that proves telling an old story like new can be worth it. ⟾
Ryan Lattanzio
Sailing ships are back on the sea as Maersk Tankers places an order for 20 "wind-assisted propulsion units" from Bound4Blue. The sails in this case are more like giant rotating spires that improve the efficiency of the ship, a major factor in the endless journeys of tankers. One more example that 'the same, but different' remains a tried and true method of creating meaningful innovation. ⟾
Sometimes, hope and lying don't seem all that far apart, at least based on Glen Powell's experience. In his Vanity Fair interview, he talked about the dry periods actors experience, and the difficulties of being "outside the velvet ropes" that constitute the industry. Will technology end up bringing us a more equitable and accessible Hollywood, or will the status quo prevail? ⟾
A privacy-minded, decentralized social network? It's true, and it's Bluesky. If Twitter (X) was never your go-to, or if recent algorithmic, feature, or moderation changes have made it unpalatable, it's worth looking at this new alternative. One thing is true - the speed of adaptation in digital services is breakneck; where there's a new need, there's a new platform. ⟾
AI Agents are coming for your computer in the new year. Bloomberg reports that OpenAIs "Operator" would be able to not just sit in a window and chat with you, but actually interact with your computer and take actions based on it's own direction. With so much competition in the creation and release of AI Agents, it does feel the knowledge and service sectors must be poised for a major shift in the workforce. ⟾
Questions about the waning movie theater experience continue as Guillermo del Toro opines about Clint Eastwoods' Juror #2s short, limited play. It's part of a broader trend, with studios looking to manage costs and balance revenue between distributed releases and streaming. We remain adamant that some films are just best on a gigantic screen, with amazing sound, and in a room with other people. ⟾