Concert films have been produced by artists for a long time, but have been recently at the forefront of social media. Taylor Swift’s recent film “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” has taken the world by storm and might signify the beginning of an increasing popularity of concert films in theaters.
The Eras Tour completely took over the media, sparking controversy with its ticketing but also being recognized for its impressive three-hour setlist and dazzling performance. After the announcement of the tour, Swift gave her fans yet another thing to look forward to, the release of the “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour.”
In the past, Swift has released a performance film on Netflix to accompany her Reputation Tour, but this is the first time her concert tour has hit theaters.
Swift isn’t the only artist recently who has released their concert films to theaters. Billie Eilish released her film “Live at the O2” in January 2023 and Beyonce will release “Renaissance: A film by Beyonce” in December 2023.
As rising ticket prices make it harder to see artists in concert, performance films are a great way for people to be able to experience the joys of a concert at a cheaper price. But despite its positives, concert films in theaters are beginning to spark controversy.
On Twitter, Swift posted, “Eras attire, friendship bracelets, singing and dancing is encouraged.” The media immediately took issue with this because when Billie Eilish conveyed a similar statement for her film, “Treat it like a concert,” her fans grew out of control.
Eilish fans were depicted on social media moshing on the theater floors, flashing lights and screaming along to the music. Users began to get irritated because, although those actions showed the fans’ enjoyment, it also showed their lack of theater etiquette.
Because theaters are public spaces, singing, cheering and dancing often cause disruption to those in other viewing rooms, as well as the many people in the theater wanting to watch in silence.
Junior Helaina Moran, another fan unable to see Swift in person, expressed her opinion on the media’s multiple responses to the new film. “I think it is great that a cheaper option is available for fans to listen to her music, but it is a little problematic to have fans jumping around and screaming in a public place,” she conveyed. “Swift promotes wildness in the theaters playing her film, but those aren’t her theaters, so should she really have a say in what happens in them?”
Yet, many believe people deserve to get an accessible and realistic concert experience, encouraging viewers to have fun in the theater.
Sophomore Lily Grindle was unable to go to the Eras Tour, but did attend the movie opening weekend in theaters. “I think it is great that Taylor Swift is making her concert experience more accessible to people who weren’t able to go,” she stated. “Not everyone has the privilege or ability to see their favorite artists in person, so it is good that more people are getting opportunities to experience the joy that comes with going to a concert.”
“Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” was a box office hit, earning more than $200 million globally. That money is additional to the $4.1 billion dollars the Eras Tour brought in from its first leg. Of course, this too became a topic of conversation on social media as people began to question the true intent behind the artist’s decision to release a concert film.
The film’s success pushed Swift into billionaire status, causing many fans to wonder if the movie was made for fan accessibility or to further profits. On top of sold-out stadiums and $1,000 floor seats, Swift made the film available only in theaters along with exclusive film merchandise like popcorn bowls and water cups.
This caused many fans to believe that Swift’s true intentions were to capitalize off her willing fans.
“Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” sparked many controversies on social media, highlighting the effects that may arise from an increase in concert film production. With ticket prices predicted to remain high, concert films may become ordinarily displayed in theaters, and inevitably change the landscape of theater viewing.
