Latest news with #PedroPáramo
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Netflix reveals first-ever show it created using generative AI, CEO Ted Sarandos says, ‘We were thrilled…'
Netflix has revealed its first-ever show that was created using generative AI. The streaming giant's co-CEO, Ted Sarandos , said that the company was "thrilled" with the results. The company used the technology to reduce costs on "The Eternaut," an Argentine production based on a science fiction comic. Sarandos confirmed that "The Eternaut" is the first Netflix title to incorporate fully AI-generated shots in its final footage. This includes a sequence depicting the collapse of a building in Buenos Aires. According to Sarandos, such an effect would not have been cost-effective for a production of " The Eternaut 's" size without the use of AI. What Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos said about using AI in production During Netflix's recent quarterly earnings call, Sarandos told analysts: "In fact, that VFX sequence was completed 10 times faster than it could have been completed with visual, traditional VFX tools and workflows. The creators were thrilled with the result. We were thrilled with the result. And more importantly, the audience was thrilled with the result. So, I think these tools are helping creators expand the possibilities of storytelling on screen, and that is endlessly exciting.' This is not the first time Netflix has turned to AI for production. Previously, Sarandos has highlighted the company's use of AI in Rodrigo Prieto's film Pedro Páramo. He explained how it significantly reduced the cost of de-ageing effects, especially when compared to the much more expensive approach used in Martin Scorsese's The Irishman. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Could Be the Best Time to Trade Gold in 5 Years IC Markets Learn More Undo During Netflix's first quarter earnings call in April, Sarandos said: "In fact, the entire budget of the film was about the VFX cost on 'The Irishman.'' Despite this, the use of AI continues to be a complex topic within Hollywood. In 2023, concerns over its use played a key role in the actors' and writers' strikes that temporarily halted production. Viewers also criticised Marvel Studios for using AI-generated credit art in Secret Invasion on Disney+. At the same time, filmmaker Tyler Perry said he delayed expanding his studio due to the capabilities AI already offers. One of the most likely areas to see changes is visual effects, especially as audience expectations for action-heavy and superhero films put pressure on production costs. As Netflix's recent developments show, the impact of AI is extending beyond just big-budget films. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Tatler Asia
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
9 magical realism literature for the jet-set book club
2. 'Beloved' by Toni Morrison Above 'Beloved' by Toni Morrison (Photo: Vintage Classics) In Morrison's haunted tale of a runaway enslaved woman, magical realism becomes a way to process intergenerational trauma. The ghost of a dead child—named Beloved—returns not to comfort but to disrupt. Morrison's language is hypnotic, but never indulgent. Here, the genre does not entertain so much as indict. It insists that certain truths can only be told through the unreal. 3. 'The Master and Margarita' by Mikhail Bulgakov Above 'The Master and Margarita' by Mikhail Bulgakov (Photo: Vintage Classics) A talking cat named Behemoth, Satan visiting 1930s Moscow and a manuscript that refuses to burn—this novel is outrageous in premise yet razor-sharp in satire. Bulgakov uses magical realism to lampoon Soviet censorship and artistic cowardice. For those tired of solemn symbolism, this offers irreverence with bite. It's best read with vodka, or perhaps while waiting for a delayed flight out of Sheremetyevo. 4. 'Pedro Páramo' by Juan Rulfo Above 'Pedro Páramo' by Juan Rulfo (Photo: Serpent's Tail Classics) Sparse, elliptical and eerie, Rulfo's novel helped shape Latin American magical realism long before it became fashionable. When Juan Preciado arrives in the ghost town of Comala to find his father, he discovers a village populated by murmurs and memories. This isn't a page-turner—it's a slow descent. Still, its compact length makes it a perfect read between check-ins and cocktails. 5. 'The House of the Spirits' by Isabel Allende Above 'The House of the Spirits' by Isabel Allende (Photo: Vintage Classics) Allende's debut blends family saga with political upheaval in postcolonial Chile. Critics have debated whether it's derivative of Márquez, but the book holds its own in its exploration of matriarchal memory, spiritual visions and domestic power. Magical realism here is a tool of female resistance, quietly upending a patriarchal world through the domestic and the divine. 6. 'The Famished Road' by Ben Okri Above 'The Famished Road' by Ben Okri (Photo: Vintage Classics) Okri's Booker Prize-winning novel follows Azaro, a spirit child caught between life and the afterlife in postcolonial Nigeria. The prose can veer toward the ornamental, but it captures a world where ancestors interrupt daily life and reality pulses with unseen energies. Magical realism, in Okri's hands, becomes both political and philosophical. It's not a casual read, nor should it be. 7. 'The Palm-Wine Drinkard' by Amos Tutuola Above 'The Palm-Wine Drinkard' by Amos Tutuola (Photo: Faber & Faber) A chaotic, exhilarating plunge into Yoruba folklore, Tutuola's novel is unlike anything in the Western canon. It was derided when first published in 1952, but later celebrated for its raw invention. The narrator's quest through spirit lands and shapeshifting creatures may lack polish, but it pulses with authenticity. Magical realism here is deeply rooted, drawing power from oral traditions rather than literary fashion. 8. 'Kafka on the Shore' by Haruki Murakami Above 'Kafka on the Shore' by Haruki Murakami (Photo: Vintage) A boy runs away from home. A man talks to cats. A storm of leeches falls from the sky. Murakami's novel is cryptic but deliberate, filled with riddles rather than revelations. The surreal elements aren't decorative—they form the architecture of the characters' emotional landscapes. While not all critics agree on calling it magical realism, the novel's refusal to distinguish dream from reality puts it firmly in the genre's most modern lineage. Best read in transit, when your sense of time and space is already in flux. 9. 'Like Water for Chocolate' by Laura Esquivel Above 'Like Water for Chocolate' by Laura Esquivel (Photo: Black Swan) A cookbook of longing disguised as a novel, Esquivel's story of forbidden love and inherited recipes popularised magical realism for a broader audience. Tita's emotions infuse her cooking, causing dinner guests to weep or lust depending on the dish. Though its popularity has led some to dismiss it as sentimental, the novel's sensual intelligence remains sharp. It turns domestic ritual into rebellion, a theme as relevant in contemporary kitchens as it is in literature. For the jet-set reader, magical realism offers more than a surreal detour. It's a way of seeing—one that acknowledges beauty without denying brutality, and wonder without abandoning doubt. These books are not whimsical escapes. They are invitations to reconsider what we take for granted about reality, especially when viewed from a window seat at 35,000 feet. NOW READ 7 upgraded travel essentials for the savvy flyer's wellness kit From sleep tourism to 'quietcations: 4 wellness travel trends for the weary 7 inspiring wellness books for a grounded, mindful life
Yahoo
22-02-2025
- Yahoo
Beyond the Beaten Path: Mexico's Most Remote and Emerging Destinations
Mexico has long been a traveler's paradise, but let's face it—some spots have been Instagrammed to oblivion. Tulum? Stunning, but packed. Sayulita? Adorable, but buzzing. If you're looking to get ahead of the curve (or just get away from the crowds), it's time to set your sights on Mexico's emerging and remote destinations. Think pristine beaches, surreal landscapes, and towns so charming you'll wonder why they haven't been overrun—yet. Ready to explore? Let's dive into Mexico's best-kept secrets. Picture this: white sand, turquoise waters, and not a resort in sight. Isla Aguada, a sleepy fishing village, is part of the Laguna de Términos biosphere reserve, meaning you'll share the waters with dolphins, turtles, and all the serenity your soul craves. Spend your days kayaking through mangroves, watching flamingos, or sipping fresh coconut water on beaches that feel like your own private paradise. Where to Stay: Cabañas Laguna offers beachfront bungalows where you can wake up to the sound of waves—without breaking the bank. Bacalar is making waves as the next big thing, and for good reason. Dubbed the Laguna of Seven Colors, its impossibly blue waters make even the Caribbean jealous. Unlike its overdeveloped neighbors, Bacalar keeps it chill with boutique eco-resorts, yoga retreats, and a strong 'disconnect-to-reconnect' vibe. Pro tip: Kayak to Los Rápidos, a natural lazy river where the water is so clear it looks like you're floating on air. Where to Stay: Our Habitas Bacalar is the epitome of eco-luxury, offering lakefront glamping with a side of wellness. Ever read Juan Rulfo's Pedro Páramo? Even if you haven't, this whitewashed town will feel like stepping into a dream. With its historic charm, volcanic backdrops, and some of the best coffee in Mexico, Comala is perfect for those who love slow travel. Spend your mornings sipping locally grown coffee at a café de olla spot, and your afternoons exploring nearby volcanoes and waterfalls. Where to Stay: Hotel Casa Alvarada blends traditional charm with cozy comfort in the heart of town. Edward James, an eccentric English artist, decided the lush jungles of Xilitla were the perfect canvas for his otherworldly sculptures—and honestly, he was onto something. His creation, Las Pozas, is a labyrinth of staircases to nowhere, massive concrete flowers, and waterfalls straight out of a fantasy novel. But Xilitla is more than its famous garden—it's a gateway to the Huasteca Potosina, home to jaw-dropping waterfalls and turquoise rivers. Where to Stay: Casa Caracol is a quirky eco-lodge with treehouse vibes that fits right into the surreal landscape. Most travelers pass through El Fuerte on their way to the Copper Canyon, but this historic gem deserves more than a quick stop. Colorful buildings, a tranquil river, and just enough history to make you feel cultured (without the museum fatigue) make El Fuerte a delightful escape. Bonus: It's said to be the birthplace of the legendary Zorro. Where to Stay: Hotel Posada del Hidalgo—a historic mansion that leans into the whole Zorro thing, complete with nightly performances. If Jacques Cousteau called Cabo Pulmo 'the aquarium of the world,' you know it's something special. This tiny village is home to one of the most vibrant coral reefs in North America. There are no big resorts, no nightlife—just world-class diving, empty beaches, and a community dedicated to conservation. It's rustic, but that's part of the charm. Where to Stay: Bungalows Cabo Pulmo—simple, solar-powered casitas steps from the beach. Imagine a place where there are no cars, just sandy paths leading to waterfalls, jungle hikes, and laid-back beach bars. That's Yelapa, a tiny fishing village you can only reach by boat from Puerto Vallarta. Spend your days hiking to hidden waterfalls, eating homemade pie de coco from a beach vendor, or just swinging in a hammock with a book. Where to Stay: Verana—a boutique hotel so dreamy it feels like it was designed for a Condé Nast Traveler cover. Once a booming silver mining town, Real de Catorce is now an eerie yet beautiful ghost town tucked high in the mountains. To get there, you have to drive through a one-lane tunnel that feels like a portal to another era. People come for the mystical energy, peyote rituals (if that's your thing), and stunning desert landscapes. It's a place that lingers in your soul long after you leave. Where to Stay: El Templo—rustic charm with unbeatable views of the desert through floor-to-ceiling glass windows. If you thought Monterrey was all industry and city life, think again. Just outside the city, Cumbres de Monterrey National Park is an adventure lover's playground, with jagged peaks, hidden waterfalls, and some of the best rock climbing in the country. If you're up for a challenge, hike to Chipitín Falls, a stunning turquoise cascade hidden deep in the mountains. Where to Stay: Gamma Monterrey Rincón De Santiago—a cozy and chic mountain lodge perfect for unwinding after an intense hike. Tulum and Chichén Itzá get all the attention, but if you want a real Indiana Jones moment, head to Calakmul. This sprawling Mayan city is deep in the jungle, where howler monkeys and toucans outnumber tourists. Climbing its towering pyramids rewards you with panoramic views of an unbroken canopy of green—just don't be surprised if you have the place all to yourself. Where to Stay: Casa Ka'an—an eco-lodge that lets you sleep surrounded by jungle sounds.
New York Times
19-02-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
‘Pedro Páramo,' ‘Let's Start a Cult' and More Streaming Gems
'Pedro Páramo' (2024) Stream it on Netflix. This adaptation of Juan Rulfo's 1955 novel is the feature directorial debut of Rodrigo Prieto, who, via his collaborations with Spike Lee, Oliver Stone, Greta Gerwig and (frequently) Martin Scorsese, has become one of the best cinematographers of our time. It is, unsurprisingly, a beautifully photographed movie (Prieto and Nico Aguilar share cinematography credit), filled with astonishing compositions and a surplus of mood. The narrative is haunted by ghosts, dreams and memories. The dialogue is alternately wry and poetic, trafficking in a deadpan magical realism, involving its bustling cast of colorful characters in a circular story, with events revisited via shifting perspectives and time frames. It doesn't all land, as the picture's loose ends and shaggy running time occasionally get away from the filmmaker. But if it's messy, it's also mesmerizing, and marks Prieto as a talent to keep watching, wherever he may go. 'Fall' (2022) Stream it on Hulu. So many of today's thrillers are convoluted, franchise-servicing affairs that this one is worth praising for its simplicity and efficiency: There is a narrative, yes, but it boils down to tracking two young women as they climb to the top of a 2,000-foot TV tower, and are then stranded there, with no obvious way down. The screenplay (by the director, Scott Mann, and Jonathan Frank) works through every possible situation and variation, mining the loaded scenario for maximum scares, thrills and pathos. But the performances ultimately have to carry the show, and the newcomers Grace Caroline Currey and Virginia Gardner are charismatic and sympathetic — even when doing the dumbest things — while Jeffrey Dean Morgan lends gravitas as Currey's concerned dad. 'Joe' (2014) Stream it on Amazon Prime Video. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
