The Taylor Swift Eras Concert Movie: A Captivating Departure from Live Performances

How Is the Taylor Swift Eras Concert Movie Different from the Live Tour?

By Savannah Walsh | October 14, 2023

Savannah Walsh, a renowned music journalist, dives into the comparisons between Taylor Swift’s concert film, “The Eras Tour,” and her live performances. While the movie aims to capture the essence of Swift’s electrifying shows, some necessary changes have been made to create a seamless and captivating experience for the audience.

Trimming the Fat

One of the major differences between the concert film and the live tour is the runtime. The original concert lasted approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes, but for the movie, it has been condensed to a still-epic 2 hours and 45 minutes. The costume changes and extended intros, such as the piano lead-in to “Tolerate It,” have been shortened to fit the screen time.

Missing Moments

In the process of creating the concert film, a few songs and moments had to be left out. Five songs, including Swift’s popular track “Wildest Dreams,” her performance of “No Body, No Crime” with the opening act Haim, and hit songs like “The Archer,” “Cardigan,” and “Long Live,” did not make the cut for the final movie. These exclusions may disappoint some fans who were particularly fond of these tracks, but the film still offers a rich and satisfying experience.

Symbolic Elements Retained

Despite some songs being omitted, certain symbolic elements from Swift’s live performances have been retained in the concert film. For example, the iconic snakes that were an integral part of Swift’s Reputation era still slither their way into the film, showcasing the visual representation of her artistic growth and transformation over the years.

A Focus on Swift and Her Fans

Director Sam Wrench’s vision for the concert film was to highlight Swift’s connection with her fans. Celebrity guests, including the musical collaborators Swift has invited on stage, are not shown in the film. This deliberate choice ensures that the focus remains solely on Swift and her dedicated fanbase.

Songs and Setlist Changes

The concert film captures Swift’s performances during her six-night residency at SoFi stadium in Inglewood. Throughout the tour, Swift made song switches to keep the experience fresh for her audience. For example, the track “No Body, No Crime” replaced “‘Tis the Damn Season” during the nights when Haim was the opening act, resulting in the former being absent from the movie. Additionally, “Invisible String” was swapped with “The 1” after Swift’s publicized breakup with Joe Alwyn, leading to the former track not making it into the film.

Pleasant Surprises

During the live tour, Swift delighted her audience by performing surprise songs acoustically, both on guitar and piano. While filming the concert movie, she performed six different surprise songs, including “I Can See You,” “Maroon,” “You Are in Love,” and “Death by a Thousand Cuts.” However, in the final cut of the movie, “Our Song” from her debut album is the guitar surprise, while “You’re on Your Own, Kid” from her most recent album takes the piano slot. The inclusion of these unexpected moments adds another layer of excitement for fans.

The Fan Experience

Swift’s concerts have always been known for their energetic and passionate fanbase. While it may not be possible to recreate the electric atmosphere of a live show, the concert film still aims to capture the spirit of Swift’s connection with her fans. The movie ends with the fan anthem “Long Live” playing over the end credits, providing a fitting tribute to the dedicated Swifties who have been with her throughout her career.

Editorial and Advice

With “The Eras Tour” concert film, Taylor Swift continues to push the boundaries of her artistic expression and deliver a captivating experience for her audience. The adjustments made to the live performance for the screen are necessary to ensure the film’s coherence and keep viewers engaged.

Swift’s decision to focus solely on her and her fans, without the distraction of celebrity guests, allows for a deeper connection between the artist and her audience. It highlights the power of music in bringing people together and creates a sense of intimacy that may be missed in a large stadium setting.

For fans who were anticipating certain songs or moments that did not make it into the movie, it’s important to remember that the concert film is not an entire replacement for the live experience. While it may not capture every aspect of the live tour, it offers a unique perspective and a chance to relive or discover the magic of a Taylor Swift concert.

Overall, “The Eras Tour” concert film promises to be an exciting and visually stunning spectacle for fans of Taylor Swift. It showcases her evolution as an artist and the unwavering support of her dedicated fanbase. Whether watching the concert film or attending a live show, it’s clear that Taylor Swift’s impact on the music industry and her fans is undeniable.