Taylor Swift has already conquered music, but could a pivot to directing movies be in her future? According to Oscar-nominated cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto, she has what it takes to be a talented filmmaker.
Prieto recently worked with Swift on several of her music videos, including “The Man,” “Willow,” and “Cardigan.” In a new interview with TheWrap, he raved about Swift’s skills behind the camera and revealed they have discussed collaborating on a feature film project.
“I know about this project,” Prieto said. “I don’t know what the status is right now because I’ve been on my movie, but we have talked about it and I don’t know if I’ll end up doing it or someone else [will], but I think she’s great.”
Swift’s Directorial Experience
While she is best known as a chart-topping singer-songwriter, Swift has steadily been building her resume as a director in recent years.
She made her directorial debut in 2019 with the music video for her feminist anthem “The Man.” Swift wrote and directed the video, which featured her undergoing elaborate prosthetics to transform into a male music executive.
“I’ve trained for this my whole life,” Swift quipped to the crew on set, as seen in a behind-the-scenes feature.
That same year, she continued honing her skills directing the whimsical video for “Lover.” The romantic visual featured Swift and actors dancing and reveling at a colorful ball.
In 2020, Swift flexed her drama muscles directing the more cinematic videos for the songs “Cardigan” and “Willow” off her albums Folklore and Evermore. Both told emotional stories of lost love and longing.
“I loved the experience of getting to direct my first two music videos,” Swift told actor Paul Mescal in a conversation for Rolling Stone. “It was such a fulfilling experience.”
She most recently directed a short film set to her Red (Taylor’s Version) song “All Too Well” starring Sadie Sink and Dylan O’Brien. The 10-minute video depicted the turbulent relationship detailed in the lyrics.
Praise from Hollywood
Swift’s directorial efforts have drawn widespread praise and comparisons to music video pioneers like Madonna.
“She joins a rarefied group of female recording artists who’ve distinguished themselves as music video directors in a medium dominated by men,” said Robert Thompson, director of Syracuse University’s Bleier Center for Television and Popular Culture, per Billboard.
Prieto echoed that sentiment in his interview, calling Swift an “extraordinary” director. As the cinematographer of acclaimed films like Brokeback Mountain and Babel, his stamp of approval carries weight.
Prieto isn’t the only major Hollywood player to take notice of Swift’s talent. Acclaimed director Mike Mills commended her video for “The Man,” tweeting, “This is excellent. Really good short film directing, crisp story-telling.”
Oscar-winner Ava DuVernay, director of Selma and A Wrinkle in Time, called Swift’s “All Too Well” short film “gorgeous” and said she would be honored to collaborate with the pop star.
A Future in Filmmaking?
It remains to be seen whether directing will become more than a side project for Swift. She shows no signs of slowing down musically, gearing up for a massive stadium tour in support of her record-breaking new album Midnights.
But with praise mounting and access to the best in the business, Swift likely has her pick of future film endeavors once her schedule allows. She has proven herself more than just a pop star dabbling behind the camera.
“I can safely say I’ve never worked with a more focused director,” said Sadie Sink of collaborating on “All Too Well.”
If Swift ever wants to direct Barbie, an Oscar contender, or a feature film of her own, Hollywood appears ready to roll out the red carpet. Her unique vision and dedication to visual storytelling could make her a force to be reckoned with in yet another artistic medium. As Prieto put it, “I think she’s great.”
