Posts Tagged ‘review’
Curiously Amazing Movie (& Technology)
Tuesday, December 23rd, 2008
I recently had an opportunity to participate in a screening of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button epic film. The story is about a child who is born having the physical attributes of a severely aged man (wrinkled skin, arthritis, poor hearing, cataracts etc) but gradually ages backwards. The script, music, acting were all composed masterfully… but the most impressive and exciting part of this movie for me, was to watch how scene after scene Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt) aged backwards. At the conclusion of the movie, we had the opportunity to join a Q&A with director David Fincher and screenwriter Eric Roth. They discussed how Brad’s face was actually used through out the entire movie and a revolutionary process allowed them seamlessly blend/ age it to the respective body.
The concept was drawn from an F Scott Fitzgerald short story. Check here for trailers and here for a thorough review of this movie.
*Bonus: found out that Kanye and the “hot guy” from Gossip Girl also attended the screening.
Websites for Change
Thursday, October 30th, 2008
The inspiration: The “Free Rice” website is both an educational tool and a way to help end world hunger. The website is sponsored by advertisements and the concept is easy; you’re given a word and need to find the synonym. For each answer you get correct, 20 grains of rice are donated to end hunger. There is also a digital bowl that gets filled with rice so you can see the impact you are making.
The idea: I discovered this website when conducting research for Wokai and started thinking. Imagine if there were more educational websites that also have a social benefit. Rather than browsing entertainment gossip or playing online games, everyone could achieve great benefits. For instance, there could be an SAT review website that provides sample questions and for each answer you get right, an ounce of water could be donated to children. That way, you answer eight correct questions and provide a child a cup of clean water. Review companies such as Kaplan and Princeton Review and colleges and universities would pay to advertise on this website because they could easily reach their target market.
