As a seasoned cinema enthusiast with a penchant for international sports events and a soft spot for Paris, I must say that the 2024 Olympics have surpassed all expectations. The grandeur, the glamour, and the sheer athletic prowess on display are a sight to behold. From the iconic landmarks transformed into selfie-friendly competition venues to the star-studded audience, it’s like being in the front row of a blockbuster movie.
As a movie reviewer, I’m thrilled to share my take on the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics – a spectacle that’s raised the bar for future games, including those in Los Angeles slated for 2028. Against all odds, Paris pulled off an outdoor opening ceremony along the Seine amidst heightened security concerns and political turmoil. But the real show-stopper? This event outdid even the most stylish episodes of “Emily in Paris,” with sporting competitions staged at famous Parisian landmarks, making for unforgettable selfie moments!
Instead of fleeing Paris in large numbers prior to the Olympics due to increased security measures causing inconveniences, a multitude of celebrities have flocked to the City of Light post-opening ceremony. This gathering includes Tom Cruise (slated for a stunt on closing night), Steven Spielberg, and Ariana Grande alongside other entertainers such as Lady Gaga and Celine Dion. Nicole Kidman was spotted at Place de la Concorde for skateboarding events, while Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes visited Versailles for the equestrian competition. Baz Luhrmann, Judd Apatow, Elizabeth Banks, and Leslie Mann were among those who watched beach volleyball near the Eiffel Tower.
Experiencing a surge of excitement, I’ve found myself captivated by the fencing spectacle at the Grand Palais, an event that has undeniably stolen the limelight. Meanwhile, the streets of Paris transformed into a sea of people over the weekend, as they flocked to witness cycling events. The crowd swelled to roughly half a million, tracing their route from the charming Montmartre district, reminiscent of “Amélie,” all the way up to the iconic Eiffel Tower.
The jubilation among French athletes is palpable as the buzz from Parisian indifference and business owner complaints has subsided. With just six days left in these games, Team France has already surpassed its previous record, amassing a total of 44 medals, with 12 of them being gold. This tally more than doubles the number won in Tokyo, positioning France third globally, following the U.S. and China. Standout swimmers Leon Marchand and judoka Teddy Riner are spearheading the French gold medal charge, with four and two victories respectively. Beyond medals, it’s a 21-year-old French pole vaulter named Anthony Ammirati who has sparked the most viral moment of these Olympics. His inadvertent wardrobe malfunction during a competition on Saturday quickly took the internet by storm.
The unanticipated excitement surrounding the Olympics is evident in bustling fan areas too, for instance, Club France at La Villette, where multitudes congregate daily to cheer on the events on an enormous screen and greet every French competitor with the adoration typically reserved for a renowned rock star.
“It’s akin to a vivid dream we’ve been experiencing. We’ve traveled an incredible distance (…). I had faith we could succeed, but this surpasses our wildest expectations. It’s impressive to see the French people united, joyous, and passionate. There’s such enthusiasm. We are presenting a magnificent image of France, and our athletes can sense it,” expressed Tony Estanguet, the gold medal-winning French slalom canoeist who heads the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee for the Olympics and Paralympics, during an interview on Sunday evening on public broadcaster France Televisions’ France 2 channel. Estanguet, who forecasts the French team could win up to 60 medals, stated that more than 5 million people have visited competition sites while fan zones across France have drawn over 3 million visitors.
The eagerness of locals towards the Olympics is reflected in unprecedented viewership figures on a French broadcasting station. This broadcaster attracted over 24.4 million viewers, marking its largest audience to date for any event that included an opening ceremony.
As a cinephile traversing the globe, I’ve had the pleasure of sharing my thoughts on various films. Interestingly enough, I’ve found myself in conversations with TV executives across the planet, and they’ve all been raving about Estanguet’s latest project. They’ve expressed that it’s breaking records, setting new benchmarks for global appeal.
In awe of the Paris Olympics, I’ve been captivated by the fresh sports that have swept across social media, such as the exhilarating kayak-cross, reminiscent of Mario Kart in its blend of kayak racing and strategic hurdles, and the electrifying breakdancing sensation known as breaking, which showcases intricate footwork and athletic maneuvers. The introduction of these sports is aimed at creating a more gender-balanced, youthful, and urban atmosphere, as expressed by IOC president Thomas Bach in his pre-opening briefing. Moreover, the Paris Olympics have brought innovation to tradition with a unique three-strike ritual before each game, inspired by French theater. At every competition, a charismatic figure steps onto the stage and strikes the ground three times with a wooden stick called a brigadier, capturing everyone’s attention.
However, not everyone is getting swept up in the Olympic fervor, and while bustling neighborhoods see cafes overflowing with patrons, business owners in less crowded areas express disappointment. They hope that their plight might be recognized by the government and they receive some form of compensation.
Originally from Melbourne and currently operating a bike touring business in Paris, Jess Jeacle informs EbMaster that reservations decreased approximately 50% prior to the Olympics, with bookings only marginally increasing since its commencement. “The layout of the city is constantly shifting – following the opening ceremony and the torch relay, we’ve had cycling, triathlon, marathon events… The challenge lies in that we can’t fully depend on the city maps,” Jeacle explains, further noting that while some visitors appreciate being immersed in the Olympic environment, others are inconvenienced by the unpredictability.
At the bustling Bistrot Paul Bert, a favorite haunt for both locals and visitors alike, I find myself in a unique situation as its manager, Chloé Colin. While we’re technically still on duty, the current atmosphere here is more like a cozy get-together than a busy restaurant, thanks to the handful of patrons who’ve graced us with their presence.
As a longtime admirer of the Olympics, I was initially excited about this year’s games, but the controversy surrounding the opening ceremony has left me feeling disheartened and disappointed. Having grown up in a diverse community myself, I appreciate events that celebrate inclusivity and embrace different cultures. However, the decision to feature drag performers mocking religious figures like “The Last Supper” and Marie-Antoinette was tasteless and insensitive.
Ben Croll contributed to this report.
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2024-08-06 02:17