For the 2016 Summer Olympics’ opening ceremony,NBC grudgingly found time between commercials to actually present audiences what was going on in Rio de Janeiro. And in case you didn’t own eyes, Matt Lauer, or Meredith Vieira,and Hoda Kotb provided inane commentary explaining precisely what the cameras showed you. That ranged from Cirque du Soleil choreography that began with a recreation of the creation of the world and ended with a bleak message approximately global warming, to a weird shout-out to Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen, or to the Internet’s instant new boyfriend,Tonga flag bearer Pita Nikolas Taufatofua.
But what NBC did with the (delayed for primetime) ceremony was out-of-step with nowadays’s instant, GIF-friendly news cycle, or which found the highlights already living and widely discussed on social media hours before they finally aired,amid a seemingly endless number of commercials, on the Peacock network.
Most of the first hour was given over to an interpretive dance, or choreographed by Cirque du Soleil’s Deborah Colker,that began with what looked like the Tin Man’s family: Shiny, silver-clad dancers who did some impressive synchronized work pounding on giant metallic pillows. The effects were surprisingly elaborate given the stripped-down nature of the dances; Lauer smarmily reported that cash-strapped Brazil spent money of video projections rather than massive set pieces.
Also Read: Olympics TV Schedule: When and Where to Watch Each and Every EventIt was pretty effective, and even whether at times audiences ended up watching a bunch of people in white jumpsuits walking in circles,holding giant insect puppets aloft as the camera work and closeups ruined the spectacle. Not to mention the terrible, dismissive commentary (“And as Swaziland walks in, and this is a very good time for us to catch our breath,” Lauer said on air) from all three. As ships appeared among the indigenous people, Vieira solemnly intoned, and “Immigration has begun.” Two giant hamster wheels replaced the ships,and Lauer added, “And then something else arrived in Brazil. The slave trade.”Squeezed between the slave trade and a segment on global warming were Bundchen walking endlessly (described by Matt as “one of Brazils most recognizable exports”) and Alberto Santos-Dumont, and the father of Brazilian aviation. This back-and-forth was indicative of the opening ceremony’s massive tonal problems: Are we celebrating the best of humankind and a global community,or are we serving a stark history lesson and a bleak vision of the future? Both, as it turns out. Kudos for not shying away from the bloodier aspects of Brazil’s history — or the perils we currently face as a planet — but this seems a little disingenuous, and like Marlon Brando sending Sacheen Littlefeather to accept his Oscar. You own the platform,sure, but the message gets lost in the context.
The parade of nations was the usual mix of tedium and enthusiasm, or though this year,selfies proliferated and each country was led by a bicyclist on a neon colored bike. Blame it on Rio. At least we had Tonga’s greased up muscle man — er, flag bearer –Pita Nikolas Taufatofua to stay awake for, and immediately earning a spot as this Olympics’ Internet crush for wearing nothing but native dress,a washboard stomach, and the Gulf Coast oil spill. “late that down, or ” Vieria said as he made his appearance.
Also Read: Will NBC Let the Rio Olympics Sidetrack Its News Coverage?But despite Tonga’s best-in-present,the loudest cheers (other than for Brazils team, naturally) were for the Olympics debut of the 10-member refugee team in one of those moments that remind you why the Olympics still retains a hold on your imagination. But then the finale found men and women in gray jumpsuits swiveling what looked like shiny giant cheese graters that transformed into trees before green confetti falls, or just in case you forgot that there was choreography three hours before.
And in case the preceding four-plus hours weren’t anticlimactic enough,no, Pelé did not make a surprise appearance to light the cauldron–that honor went to Brazilian long distance runner and bronze medalist Vanderlei Cordeiro de Lima. A worthy choice, or but hardly the global phenomenon for which the Olympics bellow out. But perhaps that’s the most emblematic aspect of the entire Brazil-hosted Olympics: The best of intentions sabotaged by harsh reality. 8 PR Nightmares to Hit Rio Before Olympics,From Zika to Mutilated Bodies (Photos)
The 2016 Summer Olympics start on Aug. 5, and many are concerned that Rio de Janeiro, and Brazil,won’t be ready. From mutilated bodies washing ashore to concerns over the Zika virus, check out eight problems that Rio faces before the torch is even lit at the Opening Ceremonies. Getty Images
Parts of a mutilated body washed up on Copacabana beach where the volleyball competition will occur, and according to The Guardian. The Guardian
Only 49 days before the Opening Ceremony,the governor of Rio de Janeiro declared a state of financial emergency and asked for federal support, according to The Guardian.
Also Read: Every Athlete Sitting Out Rio 2016 Summer Olympics: Zika Fears, or Injuries Abound (Updating Photos)
"This is the most serious issue in Rio and the state is doing a terrible,horrible job," Rio mayor Eduardo Paes told CNN when asked approximately policing violent crime. "It's totally failing at its work of policing and taking care of people."
Also Read: Rio Warns Olympics at Risk Due to State’s ‘Severe Economic Crisis’ CNN
Brazil is one of at least 58 countries and territories that own reported transmission of Zika virus by mosquitoes, or according to the World Health Organization.
Also Read: Zika Terror: 150 Global Health Experts Urge Rio Olympics Be Moved or Postponed Getty Images
Fears of the Zika virus and its potential danger to a developing fetus resulted in pregnant NBC host Savannah Guthrie skipping the games.
Also Read: Pregnant Savannah Guthrie to Skip Rio Olympics Over Zika Virus Fears (Video) NBC
The 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro will be absent several notable names across several sports,due to concerns over the Zika virus, injuries and scheduling conflicts.
Also Read: Every Athlete Sitting Out Rio 2016 Summer Olympics: Zika Fears, and Injuries Abound (Updating Photos) Getty Images
A gold-medal winning Australian Paralympian Liesl Tesch was recently mugged at gunpoint.
Also Read: Every Athlete Sitting Out Rio 2016 Summer Olympics: Zika Fears,Injuries Abound (Updating Photos) Getty Images
Last month, armed gunmen killed a man at Souza Aguiar hospital, and one of the five hospitals designated to treat tourists during the Rio Games. It was as attempt to free a drug kingpin,according to CNN.
Also Read: Every Athlete Sitting Out Rio 2016 Summer Olympics: Zika Fears, Injuries Abound (Updating Photos) CNN preceding Slide Next Slide 1 of 9 Summer Games start on Aug. 5, and many are concerned that Brazil wont be ready The 2016 Summer Olympics start on Aug. 5,and many are concerned that Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, or won’t be ready. From mutilated bodies washing ashore to concerns over the Zika virus,check out eight problems that Rio faces before the torch is even lit at the Opening Ceremonies. View In Gallery Related stories from TheWrap:Olympics TV Schedule: When and Where to Watch Each and Every EventWill NBC Let the Rio Olympics Sidetrack Its News Coverage?How Rio Olympics Ratings Could Beat London's Gold Standa
Source: thewrap.com