You are entitled to your opinion. I agree about the "scratching their heads" part.
I can vouch many actually enjoyed this ambitious, surprising, crazy (yet opaque) ceremony. I was one of them. No need to pretend and I am not ashamed of admitting it. I am glad for one, they didn't give the world the Parisian and French stereotypes many expected. I find them tedious.
Celine's performance was brilliant and consensual. That's why everyone rallied behind her.
Thank you for stopping by and sharing your opinion here.
Thank you so much for beginning to explain the layers. We loved watching the opening and were enjoying every turn. The current talk on social media, indeed, shows so many misunderstood allusions. Today, I have been trying to make sense of the critics’ words and you are definitely helping. Merci Vero❤️
I think many would have preferred seeing baguettes, bérets and more shots of the Eiffel Tower. ;-) It was an ambitious ceremony, maybe too ambitious. At least it kept people guessing and made them think. Thank you for stopping by Janis.
Bonjour, Sharon. Just a couple of examples to make my point. There are articles out there to go further into detail and learn more about the different tableaux.
Véro, you summed it up perfectly. I regretted that so many talented performers were not introduced by the commentators and wondered if those the US were alone in neglecting to provide that information. And, as you mentioned, there were so many scenes that obviously resulted from many hours of creative thinking, rehearsing, costuming, etc., and yet even as a Francofile, I know a lot of the significance went over my head. In any case, it was an outstanding production.
I understand that the producers wanted the performances to be a surprise, but they should have provided broadcasters with background info explaining it all. All that work, and it went right over most heads (Americans anyways). Having toured Paris with excellent guides helped me to get some of the symbolism, but I missed alot.
That's a valid suggestion, in line with my (humorous) comment about Cliff Notes. There was so much secrecy surrounding the event they obviously went for the surprise element, with some interesting results, as it turns out.
so really enjoyed the Paris opening ceremony. It was epic. Loved the references to cultural events. And thanks for further explaining about the parkour guy loved him. There was an article today in the Washington Post that also explained the entire opening ceremony.
Thank you Véro for some explanations. I watched the live presentation here in 🇺🇸. Then again in prime-time replay. I loved the entire experience. There were parts that were a minute of 🫤, but 3 hours of a love for/from Paris to the world! I have watched both Miss Celine and Miss Edith’s version of this song…I knew the story and could understand most of it. Stunning…I love your interpretation of why it might be so special for Celine to sing. Merci 🥰
Avec plaisir Nan. That song is such an iconic part of Edith's repertoire I had to go deeper into it. Celine chose it with great care, I could tell. I wanted to make sure that choice didn't go over people's heads, like other parts of the ceremony.
I still am amazed, how much of French history was poured into this ceremony. I’m also glad you are in “My part of America”. I grew up in Nebraska and spent a good time in Chicago and Minneapolis growing up🥰. Glad you and “Jr” are enjoying yourselves.
The many references to French culture & arts were apparent during the opening ceremonies (which I found so unique) but, I confess, quite a few were lost on me.
It’s too bad the producers didn’t provide context for the media & millions of viewers in advance. And, merci for explaining the story behind the song in Celine Dion’s stellar performance.
You're welcome Barbara. Good point about the producers (in line with my comment about Cliff Notes) but there was so much secrecy around the event! I wonder if that's what stopped them. They went for the surprise element at the risk of being misunderstood.
Bonjour Janet. I am happy you enjoyed the ceremony. Many did, whether all the "tableaux" made sense to them or not. The French always favor aesthetics over everything else it seems.
Thank you, Véro, for this message about understanding the importance of learning the cultural keys of a different city/country. I thought the Opening Ceremony was brilliant and creatively represented French values and history, and cried when the bells of Notre Dame played the song from Les Miserables. Loved the tableau of Dionysus (as my figure attests to my love of wine and food) but also because his daughter turned herself into a river: the Seine. I was shocked the next day when I saw comments from clueless people (both American and French) on social media and well-paid 'culture experts' who did not even try to search out the references, especially The Atlantic's Spencer Kornhaber, who wrote an article 'This Was the Best Opening Ceremony Paris Could Give Us?' and judged it lackluster and confusing! I'm glad to be old enough to know all the words to 'If You Love Me' in both English and French.
The ceremony was created for people like you, Mary. One criticism I would make to the producers and director is that they should have anticipated some of the "tableaux" and their content would seem rather opaque to some viewers, especially international audiences. They went for the surprise effect created by aesthetics (which is very French!) and caused quite a bit of controversy as a result. For a journalist to write an article about the show without doing further research though is unforgivable. I haven't wasted any time reading those pieces. ;-)
I am a student of French culture and love France and visit as often as I can. Ijust loved the Opening Ceremonies and all of the layers. The commentary on NBC was just awful. When the mezzo-soprano was standing atop the Grande Palais and singing La Marseillaise, the sub-title read, 'French singing'. I wanted to tear my hair out.
I guess many commentators (especially American ones) expected more baguettes, bérets and shots of the Eiffel Tower ;-) They had no idea they should have turned on the "fact checking" feature - just like in presidential debates.
I really regret the show producers didn't provide background info on the different scenes and references. Even French journalists often couldn't articulate what was happening. I discovered Le Monde newspaper's live coverage, which included an historian who broke down on the fly the meaning behind it. It helped and deepened my appreciation for the show greatly.
It was a missed opportunity to share our culture and history with the world, and the resulting miscommunication opened the door to confusion and criticism (although some people would have hated it no matter what because a black woman song alongside the Garde Republiquaine, a heavy metal played a revolutionary song calling to hang aristocrats, and drag queens had a fashion show, among other). I thought the inclusion message was welcome, though heavy handed at times, and overall loved it ❤️
I agree. Too much mystery. Such a layered event and no keys provided.
Dancers performed on my street in pink at the start of the show. Why pink/rosé? An homage to Piaf? They renamed my quai after her, but no La Vie En Rose was sung. Qui sait? Wish I had seen Le Monde’s commentary.. Parisbreakfasts
Bonjour Aurélie. Thank you for weighing in. I agree with all the points you make. Like I have mentioned several times in this thread, producers clearly chose aesthetics and the surprise element over clarity in this ambitious program. The secrecy surrounding the event probably stopped them from sharing "Cliff notes" (or even subtitles?) before - or during - the ceremony. They took the risk of being misunderstood and that's what happened. Several tableaux (and their intent) remained rather opaque to French and (many) international viewers. I enjoyed watching but kept thinking "They are illustrating what so many criticize about avant-garde French cinema." Too opaque. Too high brow. -- As for controversy, this is 2024 and for many, especially on social media, it's a way to justify their existence. Nothing new here. Merci et à bientôt j'espère.
It may or may not have been about the fresco of the Last Supper (you do know that the fresco is just a *representation* of the Last Supper and not the actual meal and its significance, right?). Someone else created an entertaining possible conversation with Jesus about it, along the lines of: 'Wow. All those people came to dine with me? They must know that I love them all, every one of them!'
It was not supposed to be a depiction of The Last Supper. It was a depiction of a Greek Bacchanal, hence Bacchus/Dionysus, the blue guy, in the middle of the table. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bacchanalia
This is 2024 and there will be controversy, no matter what. Had the producers and director bothered to provide some "Cliff Notes" to commentators at the start of the ceremony, some of it could have been avoided - or not.
You are entitled to your opinion. I agree about the "scratching their heads" part.
I can vouch many actually enjoyed this ambitious, surprising, crazy (yet opaque) ceremony. I was one of them. No need to pretend and I am not ashamed of admitting it. I am glad for one, they didn't give the world the Parisian and French stereotypes many expected. I find them tedious.
Celine's performance was brilliant and consensual. That's why everyone rallied behind her.
Thank you for stopping by and sharing your opinion here.
Thank you so much for beginning to explain the layers. We loved watching the opening and were enjoying every turn. The current talk on social media, indeed, shows so many misunderstood allusions. Today, I have been trying to make sense of the critics’ words and you are definitely helping. Merci Vero❤️
I think many would have preferred seeing baguettes, bérets and more shots of the Eiffel Tower. ;-) It was an ambitious ceremony, maybe too ambitious. At least it kept people guessing and made them think. Thank you for stopping by Janis.
Thank you for some clarification on the Olympic ceremonies
Bonjour, Sharon. Just a couple of examples to make my point. There are articles out there to go further into detail and learn more about the different tableaux.
Véro, you summed it up perfectly. I regretted that so many talented performers were not introduced by the commentators and wondered if those the US were alone in neglecting to provide that information. And, as you mentioned, there were so many scenes that obviously resulted from many hours of creative thinking, rehearsing, costuming, etc., and yet even as a Francofile, I know a lot of the significance went over my head. In any case, it was an outstanding production.
Yes, an outstanding, ambitious production. Maybe too ambitious for an international broadcast, as many messages attest.
I thought the Opening Ceremonies was one of the best ever!! It was creative, innovative, fun and entertaining.
I appreciate your comments and enjoy following you. Thank you ~
Seattle, WA , USA
Merci à vous, Carol.
I understand that the producers wanted the performances to be a surprise, but they should have provided broadcasters with background info explaining it all. All that work, and it went right over most heads (Americans anyways). Having toured Paris with excellent guides helped me to get some of the symbolism, but I missed alot.
That's a valid suggestion, in line with my (humorous) comment about Cliff Notes. There was so much secrecy surrounding the event they obviously went for the surprise element, with some interesting results, as it turns out.
so really enjoyed the Paris opening ceremony. It was epic. Loved the references to cultural events. And thanks for further explaining about the parkour guy loved him. There was an article today in the Washington Post that also explained the entire opening ceremony.
Yes, thank you Jacque. A France with Vero patron shared that article in our private Facebook group. It helped clarify some of the tableaux.
Thank you Véro for some explanations. I watched the live presentation here in 🇺🇸. Then again in prime-time replay. I loved the entire experience. There were parts that were a minute of 🫤, but 3 hours of a love for/from Paris to the world! I have watched both Miss Celine and Miss Edith’s version of this song…I knew the story and could understand most of it. Stunning…I love your interpretation of why it might be so special for Celine to sing. Merci 🥰
Avec plaisir Nan. That song is such an iconic part of Edith's repertoire I had to go deeper into it. Celine chose it with great care, I could tell. I wanted to make sure that choice didn't go over people's heads, like other parts of the ceremony.
I still am amazed, how much of French history was poured into this ceremony. I’m also glad you are in “My part of America”. I grew up in Nebraska and spent a good time in Chicago and Minneapolis growing up🥰. Glad you and “Jr” are enjoying yourselves.
The many references to French culture & arts were apparent during the opening ceremonies (which I found so unique) but, I confess, quite a few were lost on me.
It’s too bad the producers didn’t provide context for the media & millions of viewers in advance. And, merci for explaining the story behind the song in Celine Dion’s stellar performance.
You're welcome Barbara. Good point about the producers (in line with my comment about Cliff Notes) but there was so much secrecy around the event! I wonder if that's what stopped them. They went for the surprise element at the risk of being misunderstood.
Thank you Véro for once again deconstructing this complicated complex event! I had no idea — only know and love Celine! Merci
Avec plaisir Melva. Thank goodness for Celine's performance: It was the only part of the show that didn't seem to draw criticism at some point.
Merci for clearing up some of the elements I didn’t understand. The creativity and execution were magnificent!
Bonjour Janet. I am happy you enjoyed the ceremony. Many did, whether all the "tableaux" made sense to them or not. The French always favor aesthetics over everything else it seems.
Thank you, Véro, for this message about understanding the importance of learning the cultural keys of a different city/country. I thought the Opening Ceremony was brilliant and creatively represented French values and history, and cried when the bells of Notre Dame played the song from Les Miserables. Loved the tableau of Dionysus (as my figure attests to my love of wine and food) but also because his daughter turned herself into a river: the Seine. I was shocked the next day when I saw comments from clueless people (both American and French) on social media and well-paid 'culture experts' who did not even try to search out the references, especially The Atlantic's Spencer Kornhaber, who wrote an article 'This Was the Best Opening Ceremony Paris Could Give Us?' and judged it lackluster and confusing! I'm glad to be old enough to know all the words to 'If You Love Me' in both English and French.
The ceremony was created for people like you, Mary. One criticism I would make to the producers and director is that they should have anticipated some of the "tableaux" and their content would seem rather opaque to some viewers, especially international audiences. They went for the surprise effect created by aesthetics (which is very French!) and caused quite a bit of controversy as a result. For a journalist to write an article about the show without doing further research though is unforgivable. I haven't wasted any time reading those pieces. ;-)
I don’t really care for Celine but she did an absolutely amazing job on one of my favorite Edith Piaf songs. I had goosebumps. Bravo Celine!
Oui, bravo Celine. A brave, flawless performance.
Ca ira, Vero.
I am a student of French culture and love France and visit as often as I can. Ijust loved the Opening Ceremonies and all of the layers. The commentary on NBC was just awful. When the mezzo-soprano was standing atop the Grande Palais and singing La Marseillaise, the sub-title read, 'French singing'. I wanted to tear my hair out.
Aux armes, mes citoyens!
I guess many commentators (especially American ones) expected more baguettes, bérets and shots of the Eiffel Tower ;-) They had no idea they should have turned on the "fact checking" feature - just like in presidential debates.
I really regret the show producers didn't provide background info on the different scenes and references. Even French journalists often couldn't articulate what was happening. I discovered Le Monde newspaper's live coverage, which included an historian who broke down on the fly the meaning behind it. It helped and deepened my appreciation for the show greatly.
It was a missed opportunity to share our culture and history with the world, and the resulting miscommunication opened the door to confusion and criticism (although some people would have hated it no matter what because a black woman song alongside the Garde Republiquaine, a heavy metal played a revolutionary song calling to hang aristocrats, and drag queens had a fashion show, among other). I thought the inclusion message was welcome, though heavy handed at times, and overall loved it ❤️
I agree. Too much mystery. Such a layered event and no keys provided.
Dancers performed on my street in pink at the start of the show. Why pink/rosé? An homage to Piaf? They renamed my quai after her, but no La Vie En Rose was sung. Qui sait? Wish I had seen Le Monde’s commentary.. Parisbreakfasts
Bonjour Carol. Maybe a connection with Lady Gaga's performance? She certainly did her best to recall the great Zizi Jeanmaire.
That makes perfect sense 👍 GaGa preceded my quai. Impossible to see from my street the way we were fenced in.
Bonjour Aurélie. Thank you for weighing in. I agree with all the points you make. Like I have mentioned several times in this thread, producers clearly chose aesthetics and the surprise element over clarity in this ambitious program. The secrecy surrounding the event probably stopped them from sharing "Cliff notes" (or even subtitles?) before - or during - the ceremony. They took the risk of being misunderstood and that's what happened. Several tableaux (and their intent) remained rather opaque to French and (many) international viewers. I enjoyed watching but kept thinking "They are illustrating what so many criticize about avant-garde French cinema." Too opaque. Too high brow. -- As for controversy, this is 2024 and for many, especially on social media, it's a way to justify their existence. Nothing new here. Merci et à bientôt j'espère.
But what about the controversy over the Last Supper Drag tableau. Either way it was unnecessary. N🇨🇦🥰
It may or may not have been about the fresco of the Last Supper (you do know that the fresco is just a *representation* of the Last Supper and not the actual meal and its significance, right?). Someone else created an entertaining possible conversation with Jesus about it, along the lines of: 'Wow. All those people came to dine with me? They must know that I love them all, every one of them!'
It was not supposed to be a depiction of The Last Supper. It was a depiction of a Greek Bacchanal, hence Bacchus/Dionysus, the blue guy, in the middle of the table. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bacchanalia
This is 2024 and there will be controversy, no matter what. Had the producers and director bothered to provide some "Cliff Notes" to commentators at the start of the ceremony, some of it could have been avoided - or not.