What a uniquely British opening ceremony! Now we see why Slum Dog Millionaire was such a great movie, Danny Boyle is that good. The projection of a host country's image during the Olympics opening ceremony is always interesting. China projected their very controlled society when it was revealed that the tiles of the flooring during their ceremony was controlled by 897 humans when it was assumed it was computer controlled. Great Britain projected the many wonderful instititions and contributions to modern society that enables the country to earn the first word of its chosen name.
Ok, hang on, I have to get something off my chest. Why are Olympic announcements spoken in French before English? Hellllloooo - opening ceremonies are in ENGLAND. Besides, about a quarter of the globe speak or understand English whereas French is 11th on the list of most spoken languages and comprises a very small percentage. If anything Mandarin or Spanish should be used given they have more speakers than any other language! I can even understand if it is in Greek -- after all they started the Olympics.
Ok, off the rant...
Any Olympic ceremony that plays Pink Floyd has my vote! It was truly an awesome spectacle starting with a rapid skim over the Thames across scenic southern England to Olympic park. The Red Arrows flying BAE Systems Hawk T1s flew over each of the capitals of the United Kingdom with the final leg over the park -- I always get goose bumps over flyovers. These ceremonies had it all -- from the Queen "jumping" out of helicopter with James Bond to the comical facial expressions of Mr. Bean.
The stroll through British history with the transformation from agrarian to industrial society was spectacular. Who can argue over the influence of British rock? In this day and age, it was also refreshingly bold to proudly raise smoke stacks while symbolically destroying the country side all while chomping a cigar in front of a global audience. All of the industrialism leading to the forging of the Olympic rings -- absolutely brilliant. I found myself cheering inside for the display of capitalism and industry that resulted in Great Britain's power and influence over most of the world. Only to be brought down by the subtle portrayal of the suit wearing capitalists succeeding over the toil and labor of the common man. But sprinkle in Voldemort, Mary Poppins, Paul McCartney, and David Beckham and I have to say it was all well done.
But really? National Health Service (NHS) in the Olympic ceremony? Looks good in lights but really, if you have used the system, you truly can't be proud of this British institution. Of all the greatness displayed during the ceremony it was an odd choice. It would be something I supposed if Danny Boyle, the Royals, athletes, and other celebrities actually used the NHS. Oh well, even the little boy fell in poop in the outhouse in Slum Dog Millionaire.
Ok, hang on, I have to get something off my chest. Why are Olympic announcements spoken in French before English? Hellllloooo - opening ceremonies are in ENGLAND. Besides, about a quarter of the globe speak or understand English whereas French is 11th on the list of most spoken languages and comprises a very small percentage. If anything Mandarin or Spanish should be used given they have more speakers than any other language! I can even understand if it is in Greek -- after all they started the Olympics.
Ok, off the rant...
Any Olympic ceremony that plays Pink Floyd has my vote! It was truly an awesome spectacle starting with a rapid skim over the Thames across scenic southern England to Olympic park. The Red Arrows flying BAE Systems Hawk T1s flew over each of the capitals of the United Kingdom with the final leg over the park -- I always get goose bumps over flyovers. These ceremonies had it all -- from the Queen "jumping" out of helicopter with James Bond to the comical facial expressions of Mr. Bean.
The stroll through British history with the transformation from agrarian to industrial society was spectacular. Who can argue over the influence of British rock? In this day and age, it was also refreshingly bold to proudly raise smoke stacks while symbolically destroying the country side all while chomping a cigar in front of a global audience. All of the industrialism leading to the forging of the Olympic rings -- absolutely brilliant. I found myself cheering inside for the display of capitalism and industry that resulted in Great Britain's power and influence over most of the world. Only to be brought down by the subtle portrayal of the suit wearing capitalists succeeding over the toil and labor of the common man. But sprinkle in Voldemort, Mary Poppins, Paul McCartney, and David Beckham and I have to say it was all well done.
But really? National Health Service (NHS) in the Olympic ceremony? Looks good in lights but really, if you have used the system, you truly can't be proud of this British institution. Of all the greatness displayed during the ceremony it was an odd choice. It would be something I supposed if Danny Boyle, the Royals, athletes, and other celebrities actually used the NHS. Oh well, even the little boy fell in poop in the outhouse in Slum Dog Millionaire.
No comments:
Post a Comment