We had the BBC commentators who of course knew the history and language and used both to great effect. What a spectacular opening ceremony it was. We rated it up there with London’s and we were Londoners then - so a very high bar indeed. Magnifique !!
You nailed it Don!!!!! America’s commercially driven broadcasts try to do the emoting and thinking and feeling for you, telegraphing how you should be reacting (to suit their sponsors.) After 7 years of living here, i’m accustomed to the greater respect French broadcasters have for their audience.
Watched most of it on NBC and while the blather was not great, I thought the spectacle was wonderful. Paris in the rain is even more Paris than otherwise.
The American media are so self-absorbed that they just can't allow a spectacle which they don't control to be appreciated for what it is. An exhurberant celebration!
Vive le spectaculaire français, beloved, exciting, and full of elegant surprises, twists, turns, and enigma! There is no menu, the plan changes by the moment, dazzling the senses. I watched a couple videos afterwards that were just of the audience when Celine blew the doors off with her stunning Edith Piaf rendition - there were tears of joy as Parisians ignored the weather to hug and kiss each other and soak in the moment as Edith herself seemed to have blessed the performance. It was left to the American media to try to lamely explain what they were watching instead of just shutting the hell up and enjoying the experience. They just didn't get it. We have eyes; we have ears....
Absolutely, totally agree. We are at sea and watched in our stateroom on a British channel. Lucky us, they let the ceremony be the focus. We were mesmerized by the spectacle. It was great to see Paris and such an innovative approach.
Very well written, Don. So much so that I wish I had not missed the opening ceremony. Maybe I can find it and stream it. (Who knew you could write so engagingly without beer as subject matter?)
It was, by far, the best opening ceremony I’ve seen in years. And, luckily, I was able to watch it in peace on France 2 as well (which made a huge difference). The commentary on NBC makes it about NBC, whereas the French just allowed us to take in the spectacle. They made the city and the joy the star of the show as only the French can do…
I also enjoyed witnessing the French commentators' surprises and laughs, which added to the atmosphere--and also, at times, hinted to a reference I was missing.
Bravo, Don. I loved the Opening Ceremony despite the NBC chatter. Why Peyton Manning? Why Snoop Dog? Why Kelly Clarkson? Paris was spectacular, and it convinced me that I have to get my 77-year-old self there one more time.
It was absoluement merveiulleuse! Carl and I ignored the commentators and I identified landmarks which they, stupidly, mostly did not do. We both thought that the boats on the Seine were s brilliant way to showcase the river and the city. A very impressive spectacle.
I was thoroughly entranced -- awestruck --- to watch Paris be the star of the show. Hat's off to the organizers and event planners who made this a stunning Opening Ceremony that I'd like to rewatch... perhaps I can find the uninterrupted French or quality BBC video somewhere. Elegantly done and so fun, lovely, surprising, chic, and delightful. I can't stop talking about it and enjoyed your perspective very much!
I was annoyed by the commentary but after I turned off the sound I thoroughly enjoyed the spectacle. It is what Paris does best.
We had the BBC commentators who of course knew the history and language and used both to great effect. What a spectacular opening ceremony it was. We rated it up there with London’s and we were Londoners then - so a very high bar indeed. Magnifique !!
You nailed it Don!!!!! America’s commercially driven broadcasts try to do the emoting and thinking and feeling for you, telegraphing how you should be reacting (to suit their sponsors.) After 7 years of living here, i’m accustomed to the greater respect French broadcasters have for their audience.
Watched most of it on NBC and while the blather was not great, I thought the spectacle was wonderful. Paris in the rain is even more Paris than otherwise.
The rain... ain't that the truth!
We loved it! All of it! Thoroughly enjoyed it. As a matter of fact, we say it live & then again in the evening.
It was incredible to see the singer from Mali singing with the French musicians. When would the 2 groups ever have had the opportunity to collaborate.
Loved Celine- Kelly Clarkson said she was "Speechless".
Everything on the river was perfect; countries, women's heads, red, white, & blue smoke.
Had the countries marched into a stadium it would have been ORDINARY.
The work that was put into this show was incredible. Just imagine the roof tops that had to be cleaned.
I'm hopeful that we might be able to catch it again on the French news channel we have on cable or YouTube.
I hadn't thought about the rooftops!
The American media are so self-absorbed that they just can't allow a spectacle which they don't control to be appreciated for what it is. An exhurberant celebration!
Vive le spectaculaire français, beloved, exciting, and full of elegant surprises, twists, turns, and enigma! There is no menu, the plan changes by the moment, dazzling the senses. I watched a couple videos afterwards that were just of the audience when Celine blew the doors off with her stunning Edith Piaf rendition - there were tears of joy as Parisians ignored the weather to hug and kiss each other and soak in the moment as Edith herself seemed to have blessed the performance. It was left to the American media to try to lamely explain what they were watching instead of just shutting the hell up and enjoying the experience. They just didn't get it. We have eyes; we have ears....
Absolutely, totally agree. We are at sea and watched in our stateroom on a British channel. Lucky us, they let the ceremony be the focus. We were mesmerized by the spectacle. It was great to see Paris and such an innovative approach.
Very well written, Don. So much so that I wish I had not missed the opening ceremony. Maybe I can find it and stream it. (Who knew you could write so engagingly without beer as subject matter?)
It was, by far, the best opening ceremony I’ve seen in years. And, luckily, I was able to watch it in peace on France 2 as well (which made a huge difference). The commentary on NBC makes it about NBC, whereas the French just allowed us to take in the spectacle. They made the city and the joy the star of the show as only the French can do…
I also enjoyed witnessing the French commentators' surprises and laughs, which added to the atmosphere--and also, at times, hinted to a reference I was missing.
Agreed!
Bravo, Don. I loved the Opening Ceremony despite the NBC chatter. Why Peyton Manning? Why Snoop Dog? Why Kelly Clarkson? Paris was spectacular, and it convinced me that I have to get my 77-year-old self there one more time.
Just one more time?!
Ok, I will be more optimistic.
I agree, the France 2 coverage was top notch!
It was absoluement merveiulleuse! Carl and I ignored the commentators and I identified landmarks which they, stupidly, mostly did not do. We both thought that the boats on the Seine were s brilliant way to showcase the river and the city. A very impressive spectacle.
I was thoroughly entranced -- awestruck --- to watch Paris be the star of the show. Hat's off to the organizers and event planners who made this a stunning Opening Ceremony that I'd like to rewatch... perhaps I can find the uninterrupted French or quality BBC video somewhere. Elegantly done and so fun, lovely, surprising, chic, and delightful. I can't stop talking about it and enjoyed your perspective very much!
I wish I could download the one that's still available via our French TV cable. It's so good!
Would love to see it!
Another terrific post, Donald---and a good critique of American media...