An Olympic effort
After yesterday’s last minute dinner cancelation, I was able to watch the Olympic opening ceremony live. And I’m so glad I did.
To me, it was such a refreshing change to have the ceremony away from the enclosure of a stadium. Why wouldn’t you use the beauty of Paris - one of the most stunning cities in the world - as your backdrop, when you know the world is watching?
I read a lot of online commentary from the usual suspects complaining about the ceremony. I have to disagree. Of course it’s not going to be as ‘tight’ when it’s not being filmed in a static space. Of course the visual are going to suffer when it’s absolutely pouring with rain. And of course there are going to be elements you don’t immediately ‘get’, unless you’re French.
The whole point of these thing is for the host city to show off their culture, illustrate their best side, and get viewers intrigued to learn more. Paris chose to share snapshots from its rich history, illuminate its incredible architecture, use the Seine as stage, and (clutching of pearls!) have drag artists dance like absolute legends.
And pretty much every performer gets bonus points from me for doing what they were doing while the heavens opened above them. It’s one thing knowing if you fuck up the world is going to see you. Quite another when you know the risk of you falling down a wet staircase has doubled in just minutes.
If you’re after sterile flag-waving and marching, I suggest you get yourself a time-machine and head back to the 1950s, or a ticket to North Korea. Time moves on, the Olympic ceremonies move on, and Paris has managed to up the stakes on the surprise elements once again.
And for the avoidance of doubt, the pure unadulterated highlight for me was Celine Dion singing on the Eiffel Tower. That song, that voice, that backdrop.
Perfection.