NEW YORK , Taylor Swift fans are accustomed to looking for clues and Easter eggs within her music videos and lyrics. So it was no surprise that the pop star released a short film that explored her love life and a song she loves.
The 13-minute "All Too Well": The Short Film, was a success. Swift released it Friday night, shortly after she debuted her expanded and re-recorded album Red (Taylor's Version)." This includes a 10-minute extended "All Too Well" version.
Swift spoke out in advance of a fan screening to tell The Associated Press that she had recorded a longer version and made a mini-movie due to its popularity among followers.
Swift stated on the red carpet that "this is all about what fans have made this song into." It was never a single, had no video and never had any visual elements. But they created their own cinematic universe for it so I'm just following what they said to me.
Swift's classic album "Red", which was released in 2012, features hits such as "We Are Never Ever Getting back Together" and "22". The star also directed the short "All Too Well," which stars Dylan O'Brien and Sadie Sink.
Fans were given packets of tissues with the words "All Too Well" printed on them to use as needed.
Swift welcomed the audience inside with the greeting "It's been awhile." Swift then gave permission to any emotions that the film might stir up. Swift stated, "You and me are used to concerts." Swift said, "We are used to feeling what we feel and being vocal when we feel it. Feel your emotions. We have tissues. She said that you don't need to be serious, stoic or any other type of person.
Sink and O'Brien portray the romance and fun of a new relationship and the problems and hurt feelings that result. The movie ends with their final breakup.
O'Brien's character holds court during a dinner scene, which is a highlight. Sink grabs O'Brien's arm and drops it. The music breaks for approximately three minutes to allow them to have spoken dialogue while they wash dishes. Sink is upset when O'Brien says she's making a lot of it. The audience gasps and boos.
Swift told The Associated Press that this section of the film was not autobiographical, but was ad-libbed.
She explained that you can tell a lot about someone when they fight. We wanted to have a big fight. They understood the arguments and the catalyst. This was the reason they created it for the movie.
Swift introduced O'Brien, Sink and the rest of the audience after the screening. Swift said, "I'm sorry," and jokingly referred to his actions on screen. He won the support of the crowd.
Swift performed "All Too Well" acoustically for the room, while she strummed her instrument.
Fans loved the juicy lyrics and the new "All Too Well", which was the top-trending item on Twitter Friday.
Swift has not spoken about the subject of the song, but Swiftie sleuths have identified actor Jake Gyllenhaal to be the man she was looking for years ago.
Swift is currently re-recording six of her first albums. Her original masters were sold to her previous label, and she wanted new masters she could own. "Red (Taylor’s Version)" was out Friday, with an expanded 30-song collection, including duets featuring Ed Sheeran and Chris Stapleton.
Swift said that she is now able to look back at her music and not only see the music but also see art and experiences from concerts. It was my music, but now it's shared with the fans. That's what I've really taken from this experience.
