Taylor Swift’s newest film, “The Eras Tour” hit the big screen. The film features three hours of Swift’s setlist from some of her sold-out shows. (Reagan Russell/CU Independent)
Taylor Swift debuted her new “The Eras Tour” film on Oct. 13, with several private showings beforehand. The film showcases her concert, following Swift throughout her Los Angeles show at SoFi Stadium.
Swift’s setlist was about three and a half hours, and the film was just under three. To shorten the length of the film, five songs that were performed live did not make the final cut for the big screen. “The Archer,” “Cardigan,” “Wildest Dreams,” “Long Live” and “No Body, No Crime” with the band HAIM were not included.
Although some songs were missing, the film encapsulates the energy of the concert and allows audience members to feel as if they were at the stadium. The film highlights fans, background dancers, background vocalists and, of course, Swift herself.
“My favorite part was the Red era portion of the film because it brought back memories of when Red first came out,” said Caroline Gamble, a University of Colorado Boulder freshman.
Following Swift’s advice, fans treated the film like a concert, singing and dancing to every song. Fashion was also an integral part of the concert experience. Many fans dressed up for the film in their favorite eras. From recreating the “Lover” bodysuit to the pajamas from the “You Belong With Me” music video, fans wore outfits that were symbolic of Swift and her past.
“I saw The Eras Tour, and it felt like I was reliving the concert to some degree. The theater I was in was singing along, and I felt comfortable enough to sing and have a good time just as I did at the concert,” said CU Boulder freshman Gracelynne Jones.
Jones attended the second night of her Minneapolis tour. Although nothing would compare to a sold-out stadium of Swifties screaming the lyrics to every song, getting to hear the live versions of these songs again while simultaneously seeing Taylor’s facial expressions provided a unique experience.
The film has already grossed $129.8 million in the first couple weeks of being out.
Swift understood the initial struggle of fans being able to get tickets. With most people waiting six-plus hours in a queue, the film’s ticket-buying process was easier in comparison. The film version made it accessible to all fans. Swift provided a pseudo concert to those who were unable to attend initially.
“The film and tour made me have an immense amount of admiration for Taylor. I already appreciated her, but seeing how much work she puts in is absolutely incredible,” said CU Boulder freshman Charlotte White. “Three and a half hours of pure joy. Singing songs from all her eras with crazy costume changes and amazing choreography — she puts her all into it for the full show every single night. She’s incredible.”
Swift filmed the first three nights at SoFi Stadium and pieced them together to create one concert. White attended Los Angeles night one and got to experience seeing bits of her show make the final cut.
White’s surprise songs were “I Can See You (Taylor’s Version From the Vault)” and “Maroon.” She got a unique opportunity to watch some moments she saw live on the big screen.
In addition to the film, Swift released “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” featuring five new vault tracks on Friday.
As for Boulder Swifties, CU Boulder’s Taylor Swift Club had its first meeting on Oct. 25 and will have weekly meetings to follow.
“The Taylor Swift club is about taking a big moment, person, and influence in our culture and turning a shared love and experience into a collaborative social atmosphere. It’s such a common interest that can easily create new friendships and experiences for people,” said Rhett Kaya, CU Boulder’s Taylor Swift Club’s co-president and current sophomore.
Whether you are a die-hard Taylor Swift fan or just looking for some good music, consider checking out “The Eras Tour” film. You will not be disappointed.
“Even if you are not a Swiftie, I would still go see it,” said Gamble.
Editor’s note: This article has been corrected to include “Review” in the title to signal opinion writing. A previous mention of The Eras Tour gross tour earnings was updated to include a hyperlink and rewritten for clarity.
Contact CU Independent staff writer Reagan Russell at reagan.russell@colorado.edu.
