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Conservatives in uproar over Olympics opening ceremony scene they say mocks ‘Last Supper’

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Conservatives in uproar over Olympics opening ceremony scene they say mocks 'Last Supper'

As a movie critic with a deep appreciation for art and culture, I have always been intrigued by the intersection of these two worlds, particularly when it comes to major global events like the Olympics. Having grown up in Europe and spent many years immersed in various artistic communities, I approach such spectacles with an open mind and a keen eye for detail.

1. The Paris Olympics opening ceremony, which took place not in a stadium but along the River Seine amidst a summer rainstorm, was a bold and breathtaking spectacle marred by sloppy execution and mishaps. It boasted stunning high points (such as Celine Dion’s performance on the Eiffel Tower) but also had its fair share of preventable mistakes, like the Can-Can dancers who struggled to lift their legs due to fear of falling into the Seine. Regardless of one’s personal viewpoints or political leanings, there was much room for debate about the event and its coverage on NBC, with issues ranging from the beheaded Marie Antoinettes to the bookish trio, foggy camera lenses, and commentators who failed to provide proper context or insight.

In the United States, and beyond, some conservatives have expressed frustration over a segment of the event that wasn’t fully aired by NBC during their broadcast.

In scene eight titled “Festivity,” which is the eighth out of twelve parts showcasing various facets of French culture and history, there was a tribute to French fashion. This segment included a diverse runway show and party held on a bridge over the Seine. The event showcased drag queens and a transgender model. At one point during the sequence, several performers stood by the runway, which also functioned as a long dining table, creating an intricately arranged scene reminiscent of Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper,” where Jesus Christ and the apostles are depicted. In another section of the show that wasn’t broadcast on NBC but went viral on social media, French entertainer Philippe Katerine appeared as Dionysus, the Greek god of wine-making, almost naked, painted blue, and sang on a large platter of fruit.

Yesterday’s portrayal of the Last Supper during the Olympic Games opening ceremony was disrespectful and disturbing to Christians worldwide. The assault on our beliefs and values seems unrelenting in this modern era. Yet, we remain steadfast, knowing that truth and morality will ultimately prevail.

— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) July 27, 2024

1. The event caused strong disapproval from several conservative figures in the U.S., including House Speaker Mike Johnson, who found it offensive to Christians worldwide and viewed it as part of an ongoing attack on faith and traditional values. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) also criticized the ceremony, labeling it “anti-Christian” and “satanic.” Even Candace Cameron Bure from “Full House” expressed her disapproval on Instagram, calling the opening ceremony a blasphemy of the Christian faith. Donald Trump Jr. likewise voiced his dissatisfaction with the “woke” Olympics.

As a movie enthusiast, I found myself dismayed among fellow Catholics, French bishops included, as we collectively voiced our disappointment over certain sequences in the event. These segments seemed to belittle and ridicule Christian faith, an act that we sincerely regret and condemn.

At a press conference on Sunday, Anne Descamps, spokesperson for Paris 2024, apologized for any unintended offense caused by the event. She assured that there was no intention to disrespect any religious group, but rather an attempt to promote unity and acceptance. A post on the official Olympics account added that the representation of Greek God Dionysus served as a reminder of the senselessness of violence among people.

Pondering over the depiction of Dionysus, the Greek deity, serves as a poignant reminder of the senselessness of violence among people. #Paris2024 #OpeningCeremony

— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) July 26, 2024

1. In response to the controversial incident, the performers involved have chosen not to issue an apology. Barbara Butch, a DJ, producer, and former contestant on “Drag Race” France, who wore a halo-like headpiece in the center of the scene, expressed her stance on Instagram: “I’ve never been ashamed of my identity, and I own up to everything – including my artistic decisions.” In a statement released by her lawyer, Butch revealed that she has faced threats of death, torture, rape, as well as anti-Semitic, homophobic, sexist, and transphobic slurs. She is now filing complaints against those who have targeted her with such hate speech.

Thomas Jolly, the artistic director behind the opening ceremony, has clarified that “The Last Supper” wasn’t the source of inspiration for the tableau, nor was it his intention to disrespect anyone’s faith. In an interview with BFMTV, he explained, “My goal was to orchestrate a grand, pagan celebration… I assure you, there’s no inclination towards mockery in my character or my artistic endeavors.”

Jolly was vague about what inspired him, but some art connoisseurs notice striking resemblances to “The Feast of the Gods” by Jan van Bijlert.

I find it intriguing how some conservatives blur the lines between Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, created over a millennium after Christ’s crucifixion, and the New Testament narratives of Jesus’ last supper with his disciples. This artwork, renowned for its exceptional composition and perspective, is not just about religion; it’s also a testament to Da Vinci’s genius. It’s fascinating to note that many scholars speculate Da Vinci might have been homosexual or bisexual, and his longtime companion could have inspired his depiction of Saint John the Baptist in one of his portraits. Yet, these aspects often seem to be overlooked in their criticism.

Amidst ongoing debates about blue-skinned men and ancient French cults, a common question among Americans arises: “Weren’t we invited to witness this spectacle as well?”

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2024-07-30 03:02

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