We just finished filming two new TV shows on Paris — 12 days of work. I was exhausted when we were done, but — I have to admit — in Paris it’s hard to call it “work.” Rather than hard working, let’s call it hard living.
One of the great perks of TV production is the luxury of being alone with Europe’s greatest art. A few weeks before we came to film, I scouted Paris’ Orangerie Museum and developed a concept of strolling with Monet along the banks of his water lily pond. When I returned with the film crew, we commandeered a wheelchair to use as a “poor man’s dolly” (in good guerilla-budget public television style), allowing us to capture that smooth “stroll along the pond” effect for our viewers — in hi-def!
Here’s a bit of my script for that part of our Paris show, followed by a video of cameraman Karel and producer/wheelchair dolly operator Simon in action:
Like an aging Beethoven, who composed his most dramatic works while losing his hearing, the nearly blind Claude Monet spent his last years painting these symphonies of color on a similarly monumental scale.
We’re looking into his pond — dotted with water lilies, surrounded by foliage, and dappled by the reflections of the sky, clouds, and trees on the surface. Monet mingles the pond’s many elements and lets us sort it out.
The true subject of these works is not the pond itself. It’s the play of the light reflecting off the water. Monet would work on several canvases at the same time — each one catching the light of a particular time of day.
If you can’t see the video below, watch it on YouTube.
One simply can't capture Monet on video and transmit to the internet. But RS tried and in doing so returned to his real ability to contribute. This commentary is what he does very well (leaving his face out of it would have had even more impact but he IS the company although I think the guides are the driving force behind repeat business). Thanks Rick for showing us a bit of Monet.
loAgree, b. I prefer to read Rick's writing about such experiences because that is his forte and not videotaping because he does not videotape the best [INVALID] I sometimes feel nauseated from the fast spinning and jerky movements. I have noticed too that everytime he posts clips, he is ALWAYS in the video. Marketing and self-promotion always comes first, doesn't it?veit
Staring at my print of Monet's "The Palazzo da Mula" hanging in my office, enjoying Rick's inimitable description of Impressionism, and getting to take a a quick micro-vacation to Paris right here from the desk…awesome!
This is such a beautiful place to visit and spend time. We were there in 2004 can’t believe that much time has past. I am a big fan of impressionist. I hope maybe next years vacation will be back to that area of France.
yea this seems to be a great experience I’m going to france later this year maybe i’ll check it out
All these Rick snipes…boy you people sure are petty.
No, there seems to always be one that shows up on this blog, but actually belongs on a political blog because they usually hate to travel. Tortures everyone for a while and then goes away.
A frolic among the lily pads in the light of Monet…refreshing! Beautiful!
As I travel about the world and my own country I admire scenery, art, history and people and how they live. Rick seems to be an astute observer of social conditions and I wonder if he will share with his readers the attitudes of other countries’ citizens in the face of escalating economic turmoil and how they perceive it might affect their standard of living?
What an incredible experience. My family was just at the Orangerie Museum a few weeks ago. The paintings took our breaths away, so beautiful and breathtaking. Thank you Rick Steves for this video. We were also fortunate enough to go to Givernery and visit Monet’s home and gardens an experience we shall never forget.
ps. RSteves France 2011 book rocks!!
R, you have one up on moi…haven’t been to Monet’s home yet, just the Orangerie. I’ll say it again: if you’re blessed enough to make it to Paris, don’t miss this.