After dinner, we snuggled on the sofa to watch the Opening Ceremonies. I didn’t know what to expect. What a spectacular surprise! Danny Boyle’s extravagant celebration of culture blew me away.
I’m a sucker for anything literary, and Boyle didn’t disappoint: Shakespeare, Blake, J.M. Barrie, J.K. Rowling making a rare public appearance. The ceremony was ripe with rich literary and cultural references – focusing on the profound imprint Britain has made in those areas. The backdrop of the Industrial Revolution served as an edgy contrast to the music, light and organized chaos of the event. With OMD, the Pet Shop Boys and the Sex Pistols in the background, I was over the moon.
My favourite moment was that featuring Daniel Craig and the ultimate Bond girl – Queen Elizabeth. I’m no fan of the sour-faced dowager or her Imperialist heritage – but I truly appreciated her ability to laugh at herself and get into the fun.
Beckham on the speedboat – lovely. Arctic Monkeys and Sir Paul, all so fun and celebratory. Boyle took the potential “dowdy” out of the opening, and made it into something avant garde, youthful, spiritual and transcendent. I loved sharing the experience of watching the ceremonies with my kids. They ask so many questions, and as they get older, it’s amazing to see things through their engaged and unique perspective.
The arrival of the athletes took the theoretical and made it real – young, shiny, bright faces and bodies – on the verge of achieving a life’s dream. The culmination of hopes, dreams and familial sacrifices. I hope the Games can live up to their stunning start.
yes, you have to! that man really knows how to wear a tuxedo.
we were camping when it was on…i gotta youtube them! i’d love to see daniel craig
yes, you’re so right, it was so different from Beijing, but so brilliant in its own unique way. I love that commercial – makes me teary.
We LOVED the Opening Ceremonies. Loved Rowan Atkinson, the Queen & Daniel Craig and the commentary with the interesting facts about the Olympics, the athletes and the countries. So amazing. There were very high expectations on London to “top” Beijing’s spectacle. But good for them! Excellent ceremony in their own right. It wasn’t a one-up or we can do better….it was equally is good. Exciting to see all the athletes parade in! Their faces full of pride and hope! And of course, the Thank You Mom commercial. Reminds me of why we do things for our kids. T