You’d have thought Taylor Swift herself would have just walked through the doors of Montreal’s Cineplex Odéon Quartier Latin cinema on Friday night, such was the excitement at one of the first screenings of the popular concert film. Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour.
All it took was a few notes and a charming smile from Taylor Swift on screen for the audience, mostly made up of a few hundred teenage girls, to stand up to dance and sing with the pop icon.
“I’m really excited, I really love Taylor Swift! This film gives the impression of seeing her in a performance!” explains Lauriane, 15 years old.
In the cinema as well as in the concert hall
No question, you don’t have to sit down with your popcorn! Laughter, screams, applause: Taylor Swift’s fans, called Swifties, gave the impression of being in a concert hall rather than a crowded cinema.
During the screening, each new Taylor Swift song elicited excited exclamations from the room, which vibrated to the rhythm of the crowd. It almost felt like we were at a Taylor Swift concert in the flesh.
Gave. Photo credit: Mélissa Pelletier
It must be said that this concert film is one of the few opportunities for Quebec fans to see the Eras Tour show, as it will not end until November 2024 in Toronto.
Sandra, 38, also chose to go to the cinema with her daughter Lorelai, 9, instead of paying for the concerts planned in Toronto. “The tickets are very expensive and go so quickly!”
Lorelai. Photo credit: Mélissa Pelletier
A model
The word most often used to describe the star in the hustle and bustle of the evening? “Inspiring”. Alice, 23, agrees. “Taylor never gives up and does everything herself. I’m a very big fan!”
“This is a historic moment! She is such a strong woman… She will inspire several generations!” exclaims Gabrielle, 22 years old.
Gabrielle and Amelia. Photo credit: Mélissa Pelletier
“He’s been my idol since I was 11. I love his way of writing. He is a good role model for young people!” confides Mélissa, 25 years old.
Around her, young women dressed in homage to the star’s various albums share handmade friendship bracelets. A must at Taylor Swift concerts.
Melissa Pelletier
Léa-Rose, 19, comes out of another performance with shining eyes. “It was really great! I cried!”
This Thursday alone, after unexpectedly hitting theaters a day earlier than expected, the film Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour collected $2.8 million. For the first weekend of the exhibition, estimated sales are between 100 and 150 million US dollars.
A phenomenon worth paying attention to
Following this crowd-favorite Taylor Swift concert film, Beyoncé is following up with a film about her recent tour, “Renaissance,” scheduled for release in December.
New fashion for music stars? While concert films are far from a novelty, they do seem to represent a new wave worth paying attention to.
The film Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour is being shown in several cinemas in Quebec. For full details click here.