Beatrix Kondo

Beatrix Kondo

Beatrix Kondo is a freelance writer based in Canoas, RS, Brazil. She is also a translator working on her specialization course in writing.

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    Latest Articles

    Latest Topics

    9

    Anime Goes AI: The Pros and Cons of Automating the Animation Industry

    The future of anime may seem promising with the use of artificial intelligence, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Recent articles have been exploring the pros and cons of automating the animation industry. On the positive side, AI can reduce the time and cost required to create anime, while also improving the quality of the final product. However, the downside is that these tools can potentially erase people’s jobs. Many animators already fear that their jobs are at risk when AI is involved. Additionally, the lack of jobs in the field may lead to less diversity and creativity in anime productions. It’s imperative to weigh the good, the bad, and the ugly of AI in the anime industry and find ways to use this technology fairly and efficiently.

    • This is a very interesting article and one that is hard to take a firm stance on. I can see why Corridor would want to 'democratise' animation since they require large teams and a lot of money. It would be interesting to see the variety of storytelling that would be available (though the downside to anybody being able to make their own animation is that ANYONE can make their own animation). On the flip side, you are taking jobs from professional animators. It would be fascinating to explore if there is a place for both (perhaps AI can assist in independent material, which would never otherwise be made, while animators' jobs are protected in the future). Excellent topic. – A G Macdonald 2 months ago
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    The Problem with the Dark Aesthetics in Film and Shows

    As a viewer, among other reasons, we watch movies and TV shows to escape and be entertained. However, the use of dark imagery has become a trend in many productions, which can contribute to a bad watching experience.

    When scenes are overly dark or lack proper lighting, it can make it difficult to see what is happening on screen. This can lead to confusion for the viewer and detract from the story being told. It can also be physically uncomfortable to strain our eyes to see what’s happening.

    While it’s important to respect the author’s intent, there are ways to incorporate mood and atmosphere without sacrificing the viewer’s experience. Lighting should be used to create tension or set the tone without compromising visibility.

    Additionally, it’s essential to think about accessibility. Dark imagery can be particularly challenging for viewers with visual impairments or older audiences who may struggle with their sight. It’s important to ensure that everyone can enjoy the production fully.

    Is this really a question of opinion or fact? Some even say that the alleged similar experience faced by a character in the dark is not faithfully reproduced on screen because of the way our eyes and vision adapt to dark surroundings.

    • I suggest you Google this trend because it is a trend. Check Variety and others. Accessibility is totally on point here. How can you appreciate a movie if you cannot see the scenes? 14 million people in the US are visually impaired (2006, according to the National Institute of Health). http://surl.li/ghnlm — Check it, a quick Google research on the theme. And I do not need to give tons of examples and stuff. This is a topic suggestion, not an article afaik. This is not a personal matter at all, this is considering other people who might have other problems with accessibility. – Beatrix Kondo 2 months ago
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    • This is a topic I've seen complained about recently. In discussion of it, I often see a quote from the cinematographer of the Lord of the Rings movies brought up: when asked on a set where the light comes from, he simply said 'same place as the music'. Some people (me included) see this as a good approach, with lighting being important to have even when it's not 'realistic'. – AnnieEM 2 months ago
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    • This is a fantastic observation of an aesthetic issue. The film industry has relied on lighting to provide depth and ambiance since the golden age of Hollywood. Many black-and-white movies relied on stark lighting differences in order to communicate the tone and the weight of the moment, such as On The Waterfront, Stage Fright, and other films. Another aspect is the use of color. Wong Kar-wai is a master in mood lighting without sacrificing color or suspense. Seeing the ways that old Hollywood mastered communication through lighting and the way that international cinematographers create visual complexity could be a good aspect to explore. – LadyAcademia 2 months ago
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    • Dark aesthetic is beautiful but I agree, one can only appreciate it if one can see it. Both Peter Jackson and Gullimore del Toro have commented on the artificial 'unreal' lighting on their sets, that it's perfectly fine to have dark aesthetics, but one needs to see the art you create so you have to take some liberties in order for it to be appreciated, and I completely agree. – Veara 1 month ago
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    Itachi Uchiha: Villain Or Tragic Hero?

    Analyze what makes Itachi Uchiha, from Naruto, a villain or a tragic hero (based on the Greek archetype of tragic heroes).
    He was responsible for the massacre of his family, even if for noble reasons. A pacifist, a prodigy, who caused lots of pain.
    Contrary to villains, however, his motivations were pure, and he led a miserable life, maculated by his choices.
    Compare him to either Batman or a "darker" or tragic hero, as opposed to a villain or even an anti-hero.

    • Example: Due to his noble birth and good character, Macbeth is a tragic hero in the traditional sense. But his ambition — his deadly flaw — causes his demise at the play's conclusion. As he sinks farther and further into the shadows, it also drives him to commit several crimes, including murder. He embodies the archetype of the tragic hero, despite some of his characteristics falling short of perfection. – Beatrix Kondo 3 months ago
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    Latest Comments

    Beatrix Kondo

    I won’t elaborate any further, have written a lot above and below about why this representation of women is bad. No need for female characters to be “useful”, and neither women irl. ‘nough said.

    The Manic Pixie Dream Girl: Manipulative or Unrealistic?
    Beatrix Kondo

    “In fact, manic pixie dream girl can be considered a verb — in that one can be manic pixie dream girl-ed. You can see this in your own relationships and friendships. How many of your female friends have had relationships with men, romantic or platonic, in which they really only function to help that man “grow up.” And once he does grow up (with her help, of course) the story is over; no one cares about her resolution.”

    The ‘manic pixie dream girl’ is rooted in misogyny> https://dailycampus.com/2022/02/25/the-manic-pixie-dream-girl-is-rooted-in-misogyny/

    The Manic Pixie Dream Girl: Manipulative or Unrealistic?
    Beatrix Kondo

    Talking about “positivity” now… It is good we have now more anime, for instance, that are considered dark. Since positivity itself can be very toxic. We need balanced and nuanced characters and stories in fiction, for life is not reduced to extremes either.

    The Manic Pixie Dream Girl: Manipulative or Unrealistic?
    Beatrix Kondo

    I maintain what I said before. No need for female characters to exist solely to be useful and teach men anything. This spreads and reinforces sexism in real life. Not kidding at all.
    And yet again, people Do “learn” from fiction… and the manic pixie dream girl trope teaches us that men will always be the primary protagonist of every story, thus only ever leaving supporting roles for women to fill. Thanks, but no, thanks, it can go away, rather sooner than later.

    The Manic Pixie Dream Girl: Manipulative or Unrealistic?
    Beatrix Kondo

    I completely disagree with this kind of conclusion — and it is kind of insulting> “This can be useful in helping the men in their lives and even encouraging the audience. Manic Pixie Dream Girls do not need to be eliminated altogether.” We, women, are not here to teach men or other people anything, we have our lives, our problems, our… a lot of stuff. We do not need to be “useful”, and MPDGs are representative of women as useful, so, no, thank you. They can go away.

    The Manic Pixie Dream Girl: Manipulative or Unrealistic?
    Beatrix Kondo

    Good to hear that you found the piece insightful and that it sparked a fresh perspective on food symbolism in anime. 🙂

    Anime And Food — A Culinary Adventure Like No Other
    Beatrix Kondo

    Furthermore, the bathhouse in the movie is basically like a little model of the whole world economy, where the rich bosses take advantage of the workers. But it’s not just about that – the movie also talks about how we shouldn’t forget the old ways and traditions, or else bad stuff can happen. Spirited Away really makes you think about how our actions impact society and the environment. Awesome masterpice!

    Spirited Away as Social Criticism
    Beatrix Kondo

    I am eating ramen now 😉

    Anime And Food — A Culinary Adventure Like No Other