I said to myself, you do not need to watch another opening of the Winter Games. But I am so glad I did. What an escape into "taste"! It was a show that unfolded at its own pace, not being hurried, just going forward with real people putting on a great show. I have not been to an opera, but this is my preconceived notion. No digital enhancement. Today when we look at a television commercial something is racing or is in a radical position: a truck is careening down a fiord, or sitting on top of a mountain peak. In the world today, especially in Hollywood and advertising, titillating the masses is first and foremost. Italy took this opening seriously, and the show became a visual dream.
While the atmosphere of the Super Bowl is entirely different, it also is produced as a show for the world. The Parade of the Most Valuable Players was its high point outside of the actual game. Certainly the Star Spangled Banner was not. The lone little Italian girl singing her country's anthem was moving. Compare and contrast with Aretha Franklin. The little girl was serious about her song and country. The fashion model in the Armani dress slowly and purposely bringing in the flag was a little deal, but added up these little deals made for a fine show.
I loved the Sun and Moon balloons, the trapeze artists floating on their ropes, and Venus coming out of her shell. This beauty made me feel good enough to give Yoko Ono a break, and for a moment I did try to imagine Peace. Our local newspaper dinged the acrobats on the netting creating a dove. If they had created a dog, watching those humans make patterns on the net, enthralled me. The formula one section, while interesting, did sort of spoil the mood. But the pyrotechnics at the end brought us back to beautiful.
I was grateful for this opportunity to slowly engage and enjoy. On that note, today is Lincoln's birthday and I suggest we read the Gettysburg address.