A devoted Taylor Swift enthusiast has undertaken the task of answering a burning question for Swifties: Is the movie screening of “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” akin to a live concert experience? In a resourceful TikTok video shared by user @thefolkloretheorist, this intrepid fan dialed various movie theaters to inquire whether fans could indulge in concert-like behaviors such as enthusiastic screaming and singing.
The motivation for this investigative mission stemmed from Taylor Swift’s social media announcement, posted on X (formerly Twitter), regarding the October movie screenings of her concert. Swift’s announcement encouraged fans to embrace the concert spirit by wearing Eras attire, exchanging friendship bracelets, and, most notably, singing and dancing with gusto.
The Eras Tour has been the most meaningful, electric experience of my life so far and I’m overjoyed to tell you that it’ll be coming to the big screen soon 😆 Starting Oct 13th you’ll be able to experience the concert film in theaters in North America! Tickets are on sale now at… pic.twitter.com/eKRqS8C7d1
— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) August 31, 2023
Our intrepid social media influencer reached out to their local AMC, Cinemark, and Regal movie theaters to clarify the acceptable parameters for concert behavior, specifically inquiring about singing and standing without facing ejection. The findings were consistent across all theaters: concert-like behavior was allowed, as long as it did not disrupt other moviegoers or jeopardize safety.
Dr. Lucy Bennett, a Media Audiences lecturer at Cardiff University in Wales, emphasized that the cinematic experience would indeed mirror the live performance, fostering a sense of “home” for fans. She highlighted that concert films like “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” play a vital role in uniting fans, despite the absence of the artist physically. Such films become meeting grounds for like-minded fans who share a deep connection with the music.
Jacqueline Whitmore, an etiquette expert, concurred with this sentiment. She explained that, since this is a concert film, it’s entirely acceptable for audiences to sing along with Taylor Swift and even stand, provided it doesn’t disrupt others. However, Whitmore cautioned against excessive screaming, as it could disrupt the enjoyment of neighboring moviegoers. She likened the upcoming cinematic experience to the vibrant atmosphere of cult films like the “Rocky Horror Picture Show,” where audience members enthusiastically dress up, dance, and sing along, creating an environment where such behavior is not only tolerated but expected.