Taylor Swift, the ever-evolving and iconic pop sensation has made headlines with her movie "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour." Taking her fans through an unforgettable expedition through her musical career, the Eras Tour movie serves as an indication of her evolution in music and career. It has allowed her to connect with Swifties worldwide who were not able to attend her concert in person. Although it was an incredibly emotional journey, some question the tremendous amount of hype this movie had been given.
Background
Since being released on the 13th of October, this tour has been the focal point of conversations all around the world. This is because of the legendary feats it has been able to accomplish. For example, making more than $780 million, the Eras Tour has set records by becoming the highest-grossing concert film of all time.
Many other movies, such as “The Exorcist” and “What Happens Later,” which were being released on the same date were also forced to delay their release date for fear of having to compete with this concert film. Many have praised Swift for the emotional aspects of this tour, claiming that they ended with tears. Others say that this was the best tour they have watched. Some criticize her for making this tour too boring.
About The Movie
"Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour" was filmed in two of the So-Fi stadium concerts in California. Although the concert runtime was 3 hours and 15 minutes, the movie was shortened to 2 hours and 45 minutes. This means that unfortunately, seven songs were cut, including some of her most iconic musical pieces such as "Wildest Dreams" and "No Body No Crime." Although I found this to be slightly disappointing, it is understandable considering the fact that not every song can be played. However, the songs that were included were packed with exciting costumes, choreography, sets, and tricks (such as the stage dive.)
Fashion
One of the most prominent pieces of clothing was the one-legged body suit she wore during the Reputation era, which featured red snakes and a mesh neck area. Another example includes the renowned 22 hat, which Taylor was known for giving to one lucky fan during the Red era. The movie shows Swift giving the hat to Bianka Bryant.
This part of the movie, to me, especially struck me as heart-warming, as Swift gave the little girl a hug. She also had each of her nails painted differently to match the aesthetics of her Eras.
Music
Another notable part of the production was when Swift sang "Anti-Hero," a fan-favorite from the Midnights album. In the movie, when she was performing this song, the background displayed her acting out the lyrics, such as the clip that portrayed her destroying a city.
"Too big to hang out, slowly lurching toward your favorite city. Pierced through the heart but never killed." -Taylor Swift, "Anti-Hero"
Contrary to many beliefs, Taylor Swift does not lip-sync during concerts. After all, it is her musical veracity that made many like her in the first place. However, I find it amazing how, throughout the whole performance, she's been able to keep a good tone quality.
She also had a great sense of enthusiasm and mood, especially during faster songs. Everyone in the theatre seemed to applaud the energy and iconic note change during the "You meet some woman on the internet and take her home" lyric in the Folklore era.
I also enjoyed the credits scene, which captured heartfelt clips of fans trading friendship bracelets, and generally just enjoying themselves. One of the songs being played at this point of the movie was "Long Live," one of the songs that was cut from the performance.
Criticism
One of the only parts of this theatrical experience that let me down had to do with the ambiance in the actual auditorium. While I thought the area would be packed with swifties dressed to coordinate with their favorite eras, (I did Reputation!) singing at the top of their lungs, and trading friendship bracelets, everything was oddly quiet. And worst of all, the theatre had run out of all souvenir cups, buckets, and complimentary mini-posters. When I went to the theatres on the 14th, one of the workers even informed my friends and me that there were over 200 people there to watch the movie on the 13th.
As for the actual movie, there isn't much, in my opinion, that I didn't like. I think that it is a wonderfully orchestrated production that accurately represents how far Taylor Swift has been able to come. From All Too Well (10 Minute Version) to The 1, every emotion that a person can have is being displayed through this music. The impressive stage consists of jaw-dropping sets and glamorous outfits.
"So make the friendship bracelets, take the moment and taste it, you've got no reason to be afraid." -Taylor Swift, "You're On Your Own, Kid"
This movie, for me and many others, was a way to connect with Taylor Swift, and to experience the ambience of one of her concerts. It is a beautifully done production that has made history in more ways than one. Displaying every genre of music Swift has experimented with, there is definitely something for every type of Swiftie.
