This has been a very good year for concert films and for fans of great cinematic experiences; films that were events worth celebrating. First, we had “Barbenheimer” with crowds of movie fans flocking to theaters in costumes and watching both “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer”. It was a worldwide phenomenon and a great boost to theaters still reeling from poor box office sales and the lost venue from the pandemic.
Before long, movie releases went back to normal with lackluster attendance for many films. The recent release of the re-mastered and restored Talking Heads concert film “Stop Making Sense” brought folks back to theaters. The concert film had many audiences dancing in the aisles. The movie did remarkably well at the box office for a film that originally screened forty years ago. The Talking Heads band members have made the rounds on the late-night chat shows, clearly amazed and amused at the film’s rousing reception.
“Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” is now the highest grossing concert film. It’s still playing across the country with some fans going multiple times. The film was directed by Sam Wrench, who has created live performance films with Billie Eilish, Lizzo, BTS & The Weeknd amongst others. “The Eras Tour” is produced by songwriter/rock star Taylor Swift and she forged a unique partnership for the theatrical release. Swift brokered a deal directly with AMC Theaters for the theatrical release rights, negotiating a set ticket price of $19.89 (to coincide with the release of her “1989: Taylor’s Version” album).
Even if you’re not a Taylor Swift fan, how can you not be impressed with her business acumen and success?! She’s worked hard to control her own image, her own music and her own productions. It’s so impressive. If you’re not familiar with her music, the 169-minute film is still a fun experience. The costumes, sets and choreography are top-notch and with the 10 sections showcasing her 10 albums, there are spots you can pop out for a breather or a bathroom break.
Local multiplexes across the country have sold Swift-branded bracelets, Eras Tour popcorn buckets and soda cups, and many have photo booths or backdrops set-up for fans. I’ve seen drag show parodies opening before the screening and watched audiences full of mothers and daughters, standing in the aisles dancing together, singing along to every song. If you’re going to the film to hear the music, go to a matinee screening. You might have a better chance if there’s a smaller audience in attendance.
One person who learned from Swift’s incredible theater partnership is her friend and fellow global pop star, Beyoncé. She’s set to roll out her concert film with the same style of direct to theater release, cutting out any film studios. “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé” opens on December 1. I’m a big fan of the Talking Heads and loved the “Stop Making Sense” film. I was impressed with the incredible production design and stagecraft of the “Eras Tour” film. And I’m looking forward to seeing “Renaissance”. Not everyone can afford the ticket prices for these huge concerts, nor does everyone live where they could go see these pop stars perform. How lucky we are to have such talented artists willing to share their concerts with the world and have them accessible at our local cineplex.
Drinks With Films ratings
“Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour”– 2 huge, branded Eras Tour sodas, sipped while sporting multiple charm bracelets (out of 5)
“Stop Making Sense”–5 tall glasses of water for the sweat-drenched David Byrne in his big suit (out of 5)
Drinks with films 