Tell me all about the Taylor Swift Eras movie
It’s blue, the feeling I’ve got …
Excuse me?
I’m drunk in the back of the car…
No, you’re not! Are you?
Sorry, I’m just running through my favourite Taylor Swift lyrics before the big performance.
You have tickets to the Aviva shows? How did you get them? How did you afford them? Can I see them? Hold them?
Not the Aviva – do I look like I’m made of solid gold? I’m going to Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour at the cinema this weekend.
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I went to the cinema to see Small Things Like These. By the time I emerged I had concluded the film was crap
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Wasn’t Taylor in Cats? That’s enough Swift on screen for a lifetime.
The Eras movie is different. She financed it herself and filmed it over her six-night residency at LA’s SoFi stadium over the summer. It’s just like seeing Taylor in concert. Only you don’t have to take out several mortgages or have anything to do with Ticketmaster.
But aren’t concert movies terrible? Unless Martin Scorsese is the director?
Well, he’s made a few clangers, too. Remember Shine a Light with the Rolling Stones? No, you probably don’t. Anyway, the Eras film had a reported budget of $10-$20 million and a near three-hour running time. That’s a lot of Swift songs.
Presumably, Taylor Swift is going to make a mint from it?
She’ll do well – though the speculation is that she has left money on the table by striking a deal with AMC Theatres to distribute the film. Swift has cut out the traditional Hollywood studios from the equation – but that means she has to share the box office with AMC. Team Swift could have looked for a bigger split. However, it’s understood she wanted the film in cinemas quickly for fans who cannot get tickets to her shows.
Is it any good?
Early reviews suggest that Swifties are going to enjoy it. “Exhilarating,” says Variety. “A joyful celebration,” agrees Deadline. So, if you’re on Team Taylor, it’s probably worth the effort.
What impact will this have on the movie industry?
Funny you should mention that. Beyoncé was on the red carpet with Swift at the Eras premiere. By coincidence, she’s just announced a theatrical release of her Renaissance tour – likewise distributed by AMC and opening in North America on December 1st. Although she couldn’t be bothered playing Ireland this year – so, who knows whether she has any interest in releasing Renaissance here.
Anyone else?
Did somebody say “bandwagon”? Don’t be surprised if U2 are paying attention. They’ve been burned at the box office before – their appalling 1988 film Rattle and Hum was a major setback. However, their residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas has been driving critics wild. You can picture them replicating that experience in cinemas. Imagine – Bono as you’ve never seen him before!
I’m fine, thanks. Anyway, back to Taylor — is it too late to get tickets?
The Eras Tour is predicted to be a massive hit: one estimation is that it will clock up a Marvel-worthy $150 million opening weekend at the box office.
Oh no – it’s the Aviva nightmare all over again
You need to calm down. Tickets are still available for weekend screenings in Ireland. So it’s not too late to shake off your autumn blues and hit the multiplex.
