Legendary director Christopher Nolan has applauded Taylor Swift for showing the “incredibly valuable” draw of movie theaters with her new concert film.
Swift’s Eras Tour film premiered last Friday in over 8,500 theaters across 100 countries. It quickly shattered records, becoming the highest grossing concert movie in history.
Speaking before the film’s release, Nolan highlighted Swift’s decision to partner with theater chain AMC rather than a streaming service. Her last concert doc, 2020’s Miss Americana, debuted on Netflix.
“Taylor Swift is about to show the studios, because her concert film is not being distributed by the studios, it’s being distributed by a theater owner, AMC, and it’s going to make an enormous amount of money,” Nolan said.
“And this is the thing. [Theatrical exhibition] is a format and a way of seeing things and sharing stories, or sharing experiences, that’s incredibly valuable. And if [the studios] don’t want it, somebody else will. So that’s just the truth of it.”
The Eras Tour earned over $100 million in advance ticket sales and grossed $123.5 million globally in its opening weekend. It scored the second highest October debut ever.
Nolan praised Swift for getting fans back into theaters, a feat also achieved this summer by the Barbie movie. Her film has also revived debate about etiquette during screenings.
Video clips showed fans standing on seats, singing, and filming during showings. Many said they loved “yelling lyrics and dancing” with fellow Swifties.
But some felt disruptive behavior ruined the experience. “There’s having fun and there’s acting like any rules of society don’t exist because you bought a $20 ticket,” one comment read.
Swift’s embrace of the big screen provides a counterpoint to artists releasing concerts via streaming. It shows that concert films can still draw huge crowds to cinemas.
The massive turnout proves hardcore Swift fans will eagerly turn up to cheer her on. It also indicates the broader appeal of concert movies as communal, larger-than-life experiences.
Nolan argued that the model can thrive without studio backing. He praised Swift for recognizing the irreplaceable thrill of the theatrical environment.
The film’s success is a testament to Swift’s global popularity and devotion from her fanbase. It also highlights her marketing savvy in tapping into the hype of a big-screen event.
Swift offered fans who had missed her live show a new way to participate. The Eras Tour movie expanded the concert experience by making it cinematic and broadly accessible.
Of course, the box office numbers were also driven by Swift’s catalog of massively popular songs and spectacular live production. Her first tour in five years was a must-see spectacle for fans.
But Nolan believes the film confirms, as streaming becomes dominant, that cinema’s immersive power remains potent. Live capture of a pop culture phenomenon still compels fans to congregate in theaters.
However, rowdy behavior at some screenings may also show limits to the concert movie model. Venues had to deal with disruptive superfans treating the film like the real concert.
While many enjoyed the communal energy, others felt it detracted from properly watching the film. Some argued loudly singing along was inappropriate, despite the event’s vibe.
Theaters may need to consider setting rules on conduct for future concert movies attracting rabid fanbases. Finding a balance between high energy and excessive distraction will allow everyone to enjoy the experience.
Regardless, Swift has underlined that concert films are far from obsolete. They offer an unrivaled thrill for avid fans. Even in the streaming era, gathering in theaters retains powerful appeal.
Nolan believes Swift’s Eras tour movie proves, even absent studio backing, concert films can deliver huge box office success. Her embrace of the cinema platform shows its enduring worth.
For artists, it presents a lucrative alternative to streaming. For fans, it’s a visceral, communal way to share in the live concert magic. Swift has demonstrated that in theaters, live music still strikes a mighty chord.
