Paris 2024 Ceremonies - Verdict

[Ikarus360]

14 minutes ago, BigVic said:

The next Opening Ceremony will be in the Coliseum which is a proper stadium and an iconic venue which will be the 3rd time the Coliseum will be used for an Olympic Games Ceremony. They'll not attempt to use the Sunset Strip for an open-air ceremony 

They want to do the show simultaneously in both the Colosseum and SoFi Arena, which already sounds like a headache. Not as bad as the Paris one but still though...

If i recall correctly, the plan was to use the Colosseum mostly for a couple of scenes (probably lightning the cauldron and doing some references to LA'84) before then moving to the more modern So-Fi arena (for which I have second thoughs since its not an athletics stadium, but seems its an habit now thanks to Rio's)

[Bear]

 

[sebastien1214]

9 minutes ago, Bear said:

 

Twitter is not real life, episode #382042

[AustralianFan]

Have just commenced an LA 2028 Cauldron thread given the flow-over discussion:

 

 

[LOUIS]

36 minutes ago, Bear said:

 

IOC surveys is not real life, episode... (?)

[Rob2012]

Are we even sure it was the Last Supper being depicted? The Olympics twitter feed during the ceremony described the scene saying it was the Greek Gods feasting with Dionysus (represented by the Smurf/Nac Mac Feegle).

If they did do the Last Supper it seems like it was, at the very least, in conjunction with other artworks as well.

This kinda shows how poor the commentary was. And I think this is on the organisers not on the BBC which I happened to be watching, because I'm not sure anyone in the live thread picked up on what was happening. I certainly didn't understand what the drag artists were meant to be doing as I watched it. I'm still not sure I do now.

Edited July 28 by Rob2012

[sebastien1214]

10 minutes ago, LOUIS said:

IOC surveys is not real life, episode... (?)

It's just totally consistent with what I hear in my country, I didn't wait for a poll to say that in France we liked it. You're not even French and you think you know better than me the opinion of the people of my own country...

[Rob2012]

I think it's possible to enjoy a ceremony and even say it was successful whilst also recognising its flaws, so those questions are quite broad. I feel like you'd answer "yes" to both Sebastian, but you're not blind to some of the issues with the concept either.

Asking people the day after whether this ceremony was the "most memorable ever" is just terrible polling practice! LMFAO!

I am happy it went down well enough in France though.

Edited July 28 by Rob2012

[sebastien1214]

23 minutes ago, Rob2012 said:

I think it's possible to enjoy a ceremony and even say it was successful whilst also recognising its flaws, so those questions are quite broad. I feel like you'd answer "yes" to both Sebastian, but you're not blind to some of the issues with the concept either.

Asking the French public the day after whether their ceremony was the "most memorable ever" is just terrible polling practice! LMFAO!

I am happy it went down well enough in France though.

I would have answered yes to all the questions except the 5th where I would have answered no. Now I don't think it's a bad idea to do a survey the next day, it's always interesting to collect people's emotions (because 24 hours later we are in the register of emotion, not memory). And if we did the same survey six months later, where this time we would not be in emotion but in memory, it would be very interesting to make the comparison. (Afterwards I put this survey especially to refute certain people who claimed that the French had not appreciated this ceremony)

[LOUIS]

38 minutes ago, sebastien1214 said:

It's just totally consistent with what I hear in my country, I didn't wait for a poll to say that in France we liked it. You're not even French and you think you know better than me the opinion of the people of my own country...

I 've never talked about the opinion of the people of your own country... My exact words were " I 'm glad that the French liked it". My post was about international reactions on the net. Maybe I'm wrong, but I 've never seen anything like that in the past...

[sebastien1214]

6 minutes ago, LOUIS said:

I 've never talked about the opinion of the people of your own country... My exact words were " I 'm glad that the French liked it". My post was about international reactions on the net. Maybe I'm wrong, but I 've never seen anything like that in the past...

Ah but after the international reactions I think that they are indeed very mixed and quite negative; I said it in my first post and I said it again in several other messages.

[Ikarus360]

I know I said i didn't want to talk about this segment, but it seems they weren't really referencing The Last Supper but another less known painting "Feast of the Gods".

Don't know if its just copium from some netizens knowing the huge backlash this scene got, then again it was never 100% confirmed it was a reference to it.

I wonder if there is an official program for this ceremony and if we'll be able to see it later on.

[Rob2012]

Yep, see my post from an hour ago Ikarus. It's not clear at all. Which says as much about the commentary and direction of that skit as anything else. Nobody knows what the hell was going on!

1 hour ago, Rob2012 said:

Are we even sure it was the Last Supper being depicted? The Olympics twitter feed during the ceremony described the scene saying it was the Greek Gods feasting with Dionysus (represented by the Smurf/Nac Mac Feegle).

If they did do the Last Supper it seems like it was, at the very least, in conjunction with other artworks as well.

This kinda shows how poor the commentary was. And I think this is on the organisers not on the BBC which I happened to be watching, because I'm not sure anyone in the live thread picked up on what was happening. I certainly didn't understand what the drag artists were meant to be doing as I watched it. I'm still not sure I do now.

 

[sebastien1214]

I just see this tweet. Explain a lot of things.

 

 

[Red Centaur]

My review. Had to gather my thoughts over the past couple of days. 

The Paris 2024 Olympic Opening Ceremony, despite its grand expectations, unfortunately fell short on several fronts, presenting a multitude of conceptual and executional shortcomings that merit closer scrutiny. This failure is emblematic of a broader philosophical decline in the impact and grandeur of such ceremonies, reflecting deeper issues within contemporary cultural expressions.

At its core, the ceremony suffered from a lack of narrative cohesion. The segments were poorly integrated, creating a fragmented experience devoid of a clear, overarching theme. This disjointed presentation left many attendees and viewers struggling to discern the intended message, undermining the potential for a compelling and engaging narrative. This fragmentation can be seen as a reflection of our postmodern condition, where the lack of a unifying grand narrative results in a series of disconnected moments rather than a cohesive whole.

Technically, the event was marred by numerous glitches. The visual effects, anticipated to be a highlight, were underwhelming, often poorly timed and inadequately executed. The much-touted boats on the Seine, intended as a spectacular focal point, failed to function as planned, resulting in awkward pauses and diminished visual impact. These technical failures mirror a broader societal over-reliance on technology without the necessary grounding in craftsmanship and reliability, leading to superficial spectacle without substantive impact.

Artistically, the ceremony was a missed opportunity to authentically showcase French culture. Instead, it leaned heavily on an Americanized interpretation of cultural expression, which felt incongruous with the host city’s rich artistic heritage. This dissonance was particularly evident in the choice of musical performers. Featuring international stars like Celine Dion and Lady Gaga, while globally recognised, overlooked France’s own wealth of musical talent. This decision not only seemed out of place but also missed a crucial chance to celebrate and elevate local artists on a global stage. This cultural misstep reflects a deeper philosophical issue: the homogenisation of culture in a globalised world, where unique local identities are subsumed under a monolithic, commercialised global culture.

The cultural presentation itself was disappointingly superficial, a fizzy depiction lacking depth and substance. This was epitomised by the Olympic cauldron, traditionally a powerful symbol of the Games' enduring spirit. The replacement of the iconic fire with mist and LEDs diluted this symbolic moment, substituting a vital, elemental force with a sterile, less impactful representation. This choice can be seen as symptomatic of a broader societal trend toward simulacra, where genuine, potent symbols are replaced by empty, artificial substitutes that lack the ability to inspire or evoke profound meaning.

Additionally, the ceremony was plagued by pacing issues. The extended duration needed to cover travel times across its 6km, filled with prolonged speeches and superfluous segments, led to a decline in audience engagement. Instead of building sustained excitement, the ceremony’s length resulted in restlessness and waning interest among viewers. This problem of pacing and engagement reflects a deeper existential malaise in contemporary society, where the constant barrage of stimuli leads to short attention spans and a diminished capacity for sustained, meaningful engagement.

The Paris 2024 Olympic Opening Ceremony, intended to be a magnificent celebration of global unity and cultural excellence, fell far short of its lofty aspirations. Having international singers sing in French and French singers sing in English was a step in the right direction-ish.  It failed to capture the grandeur and excitement emblematic of the Olympic spirit, leaving a lasting impression for all the wrong reasons. This event serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of cohesion, authenticity, and meticulous planning in the orchestration of such significant global spectacles. More broadly, it highlights a philosophical decline in the impact and grandeur of contemporary cultural ceremonies, reflecting deeper issues within our postmodern, globalized, and technologically reliant society.

My disappointment with the Paris 2024 Olympic Opening Ceremony runs deep. What should have been a grand spectacle celebrating the zenith of human achievement and cultural expression instead unfolded as a series of missteps and missed opportunities.

[Red Centaur]

Also, 

The Paris 2024 Olympic Opening Ceremony was not just a disappointment on an event level; it served as a stark reflection of the decaying French identity and culture. This once proud and vibrant cultural epicenter, renowned for its artistic heritage and profound contributions to global culture, presented a ceremony that was disjointed, inauthentic, and uninspired. The choice to feature American performers like Celine Dion and Lady Gaga, instead of celebrating the rich tapestry of French musical talent, was a glaring indicator of cultural erosion. It was as if France had forgotten its own voice in favor of a homogenised, globalized one.

Another glaring deficiency in the Paris 2024 Olympic Opening Ceremony was the poor presentation of fashion, an area where Paris traditionally excels as a global leader. Renowned for its haute couture and cutting-edge design, Parisian fashion embodies elegance, innovation, and artistic expression. However, this legacy was woefully underrepresented during the ceremony. The costumes and designs lacked the sophistication and flair one would expect from a city synonymous with style. Instead of showcasing the avant-garde and timeless elegance of French fashion, the attire appeared uninspired and generic, failing to capture the spirit of Parisian chic. The fashion on display felt more akin to a Eurovision performance, marked by flashy but shallow aesthetics, rather than the refined and sophisticated creations that Parisian designers are celebrated for. This oversight was particularly egregious given the potential to highlight the creativity and craftsmanship of local designers, turning what should have been a dazzling visual feast into a dull and forgettable rupaul-style spectacle. The poor presentation of fashion not only diminished the overall aesthetic of the event but also signaled a broader disconnect with the cultural and artistic roots that Paris is known for.

This ceremony, meant to showcase the best of France to the world, instead highlighted how far the country has strayed from its cultural roots. It revealed a France that is losing its identity, caught in the throes of globalisation and struggling to assert its unique cultural voice in an increasingly homogenised world. The Paris 2024 Olympic Opening Ceremony was not just a failed event; it was a poignant, and somewhat tragic, reflection of a decaying French identity and culture.

[guilherme b]

40 minutes ago, sebastien1214 said:

I just see this tweet. Explain a lot of things.

 

 

 

Damage control in action. What a joke. I hope he never has any involvement with sports ceremonies again. Still waiting for an apology from the IOC and the resignations.

[Ikarus360]

^^ I agree with many things you've said. Unfortunately, for better or for worse the Olympics have always been a symbol of globalism. And this was not the first time (neither will be the last) that global artists which are not related to the host nation perform in a ceremony: the planned Freddie Mercury performance in BCN'92, Celine Dion herself in Atlanta, Oasis and Ricky Martin in Torino, DJ Tiesto and Bjork in Athens (though at least their closing was a strict showcase of local culture...the list goes on.

Globalist messages, like anything else, only work when they're balanced. But the whole show felt like they wanted to double down and take it to newer extremes. However its inevitable when its a show watched by the average masses and a whole generation of terminally online Tik Tok kids. (i know i'm sounding like an old man now but I guess i'm starting to feel disconnected with the current trends).

We should wait for the Closing and see if its better. I just find ironic that its theme will be about an hypotetical new dissapearance of the Olympic Games. Considering how their reputation fell so low over the last decade, it feels more like a beg to the world to not let them die.

[sebastien1214]

11 minutes ago, guilherme b said:

 

Damage control in action. What a joke. I hope he never has any involvement with sports ceremonies again. Still waiting for an apology from the IOC and the resignations.

Our greatest victory is seeing that fragile homophobes like you have been crying tears of rage for the past 48 hours. Seeing all these reactions confirms to me that we should send the most beautiful congratulations to the ceremony team just for having shocked intolerant people like you. You will not win all your cultural battles and not sorry if it bothers you.

[guilherme b]

12 minutes ago, sebastien1214 said:

Our greatest victory is seeing that fragile homophobes like you have been crying tears of rage for the past 48 hours. Seeing all these reactions confirms to me that we should send the most beautiful congratulations to the ceremony team just for having shocked intolerant people like you. You will not win all your cultural battles and not sorry if it bothers you.

 

I don't think defending my view on an attack on my religion makes me homophobic, nor does it give you the right to call me that. Believe me, I consider myself much more liberal than most people. In fact, I don't care about anyone's sexual orientation, and I even flaunt mine. Moreover, it is you who started using ad hominem arguments and resorted to name-calling, something I never did and should be restrained by the administrator. Criticizing this ceremony is a right I am exercising, and I'm sorry if it doesn't fit your political and cultural agenda.

[Olympics2028]

This is just basic carelessness:

 

^ That channel is based in Pakistan, a nation in which over 90% are Muslim. I believe the script they're using is Arabic.

If the organizers of the 2024 games had allowed mockery of Islam, which would be just as inappropriate, the outcry would be 1,000 times more deafening. And the reaction in certain sections of Paris?

Would Thomas Bach, Tony Estanguet, Thomas Jolly, etc, etc, have accepted such an Olympics opening?

[sebastien1214]

4 minutes ago, guilherme b said:

 

I don't think defending my view on an attack on my religion makes me homophobic, nor does it give you the right to call me that. Believe me, I consider myself much more liberal than most people. In fact, I don't care about anyone's sexual orientation, and I even flaunt mine. Moreover, it is you who started using ad hominem arguments and resorted to name-calling, something I never did and should be restrained by the administrator. Criticizing this ceremony is a right I am exercising, and I'm sorry if it doesn't fit your political and cultural agenda.

If for you putting drag queens in a painting is an attack on your religion then yes I will tell you again: you are a homophobe. Assume it or cry when this truth is put in your face. But for me in any case, it pleases me to see intolerant people being depressed for the past 48 hours. (Let it be of course clear to everyone that I am only targeting people who express more or less assumed homophobic positions and nothing else, certainly not all those who criticize the ceremony for the rest for legitimate reasons I repeat).

[Olympics2028]

1 hour ago, guilherme b said:

and I'm sorry if it doesn't fit your political and cultural agenda.

Identity politics are very much dependent on ideology. People (based on their race, gender, sexuality, etc), on one hand, might be favored. But if, on the other hand, their politics aren't to one's liking, they're ignored or ostracized

[sebastien1214]

Some people consider that fighting homophobia is a cultural agenda. Something to be discussed, as if it is acceptable to be homophobic. Some people should be ashamed.

[guilherme b]

 

I repeat my argument

" I expected the Olympics to be a place beyond political platforms. A place of respect, unity, and acclaim of the Olympic spirit, based on overcoming challenges. The organizers think differently.

The Olympics is supposed to be about the best of the best. People that strive, suffer, and sacrifice to push themselves to be better individuals. What do these people have do with excellence?" 

 If it were up to you, should all Catholic and Islamic countries be banned from the games? This argument that "everyone who disagrees with me is homophobic" is childish. The imitation of the Last Supper was a grave mistake, I'm sorry if the facts offend you.