by Srivalli Adarapu (’26) | November 17, 2023
Following the immense success of the Eras Tour, Taylor Swift struck again with her cinematic production, Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour. Earning somewhere between $95 million and $97 million just from the opening weekend, the movie became a global phenomenon. Theaters around the world have been streaming this film since October 13th. However, this cinematic rendition is more than just an overnight sensation. It’s a testimony to Taylor Swift’s “Timeless” legacy.
The Eras Tour film encompasses Swift’s ten extraordinary albums that were performed at the SoFi Stadium during the Los Angeles tour dates. Its adept cinematography, including a variety of filming angles and close-ups, makes the audience feel as though they are having a concert experience. The film also effectively captures iconic scenes and visual effects from the concert such as the animated snake coiling around the stage during the Reputation set of the film.
Watching the concert with a closer view additionally allows for the audience to appreciate the performances more than they could have from a possibly obscured angle at the actual concert. After noticing the meticulous details in the “Look What You Made Me Do” performance on the big screen, for instance, I grew to admire it, which I would have otherwise underappreciated.
Not only does the film showcase fans enjoying themselves, but it also portrays Swift’s pure enthusiasm and dedication to fans with her wide smiles and her expressing appreciation to fans before playing “champagne problems.” She even surprised fans during her premiere shows by appearing at thirteen different theaters across Los Angeles.
Since the concert is over three hours long, some songs had to be removed from the film, including “Wildest Dreams,” “cardigan,” “no body no crime,” and “The Archer.” Nevertheless, the movie compensates for this by including two sensational surprise songs from the tour. It features one of Swift’s debuts, “Our Song,” a throwback to the start of her musical career, as well as “You’re On Your Own, Kid,” which has the renowned line “So make the friendship bracelets” that has created the Swiftie tradition of trading bracelets at concerts.
Since the movie’s release, fans have had many opportunities to indulge their love for Swift’s music. Theaters have distributed free Eras Tour posters and sold Eras Tour themed water bottles and popcorn buckets. Many fans reported screaming their lungs out and dancing to Swift’s discography in movie theaters, replicating the concert atmosphere. From dressing up as the distinct eras to exchanging friendship bracelets during movies, the Swiftie culture has made its mark all over the world.
Ultimately, Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour film has allowed everyone to be able to experience the concert. Whether it was because of the Ticketmaster crisis, economic challenges, or other reasons, many were unable to attend the Eras Tour. With this film, Swift breaks down these barriers for others and shares her concert to a much broader audience. The movie also enabled fans, including myself, to relive the concert one more time. Taylor Swift’s film is not only an unmatched success; it’s also a continuation of her boundless affection for her fans.
