Winter Olympics

As the 2010 Winter Olympics begin this year with all the thrill and excitement involved, reminds this writer of a wonderfully shot, thrilling film, about an American on the US ski team competing in the Olympics. Downhill Racer (1969) is directed by American director Michael Ritchie and starring Robert Redford at the peak of his career, with Gene Hackman and Swede actress, Camilla Sparv. This brooding, yet beautifully photographed drama about skiing in the Olympics is Ritchie's debut film. Amazing Alpine location and splendid camerawork as the ski team travels to Kitzbuhel, Austria and St Anton, Austria to the Lauberhorn at Wengen, Switzerland, playing the world cup venues all over the world.
Redford plays David Chappellet, a callous, ambitious, arrogant new comer skier on the American team heading for the Olympics in Europe. Gene Hackman plays the team's coach, aware that Chappellet is only there due to a replacement when the original team member is injured early on. Hackman's tough coaching clashes with Chappellet's competitive nature, Chappellet is consumed with his self-absorbed desire for winning the gold and utter glory. Camilla Sparv plays Chappellet's love interest. The film has reached cult status with underrated performances by all, Downhill Racer is a character driven movie, with a superb screenplay by acclaimed novelist James Salter.
Watching Downhill Racer puts you right into the film, with POV (point-of-view) shots that are fast and exciting as you race down spectacular snow covered scenery. The film has a more European feel to it, subtle dialogue that really moves the film along, and helps you get into the mindset of the competing Olympic skiers. This is really a good film and has an exciting climax at the Winter Olympics. Downhill Racer (The Criterion Collection) 1969, can be purchase at Amazon.com, online DVD store or check local DVD outlets for The Criterion Collection.

The XXI Olympic Winter Games

The Winter Olympics begin on February 12-28, 2010, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. This is a major international multi-sport event that begins with the Opening Ceremony. Worldwide billions of people will be watching this spectacular show and the 2010 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony is a must see. The Opening Ceremony is the highlight of the Olympics and gives the host country the chance to display its culture and traditions, and reverence to the spirit of the games, athletes, and fans.
The lighting ceremony's 106-day journey begins in Olympia, Greece on October 30th. The torch will be pass through every Canadian province until it reaches the Opening Ceremony on Feb. 12th, 2010. An overview of the games are listed below for the Winter Olympics: Alpine skiing, Biathlon, Bobsled, Cross country skiing, Curling, Figure skating, Freestyle skiing, Ice hockey, Luge, Nordic combined, Short track speed skating, Skeleton, Ski jumping, Snowboarding, and Speed skating.
The Winter Olympics are held every four years. For historic followers the Winter Games started out as the Nordic Games, held in 1901 in Sweden featuring winter sports. Countries from around the world send thousands of athletes to participate in Olympic Games for summer and winter.