Graphic by Lily Reavis ’21
BY GABY BARBER ’23
Content warning: this article references eating disorders and sexual violence.
I’ll start by saying I’ve never been a dedicated fan of Taylor Swift. Don’t get me wrong – I had some of her songs on my iPod growing up and I enjoy her music when it comes on the radio. It’s just that her music hasn’t dominated my playlists, nor has it earned a place of contempt in some deep place within my soul. I like Taylor Swift; she makes good music.
Taylor Swift’s new documentary “Miss Americana,” released Jan. 31 on Netflix, drew my attention because I am curious about the lives of celebrities behind the scenes. I wanted to hear what Swift had to say about her career, and I was not disappointed.
The singer-songwriter shares herself with her fans, explaining some of her most difficult moments: Kanye West’s stunt at the 2009 VMA awards, an eating disorder, the trending hashtag #TaylorSwiftIsOverParty and her experience as a sexual assault survivor. I applaud Swift for her candor and for speaking her truth through this documentary.
Swift shows that stardom is filled with trials. Through her personal stories, she cracks the rose-colored lenses through which the public perceives fame. The documentary serves as a good reminder of the humanity of those in the public eye. They are ordinary people living extraordinary lives, and they are still fallible, feeling and breakable.
I was surprised by Swift’s discussion of politics in “Miss Americana.” I never really categorized Swift as a political celebrity, likely because she was silent on the subject for a long time. Regardless, it was interesting to listen to her speak to how she felt the need to be silent on the topic and how she broke out of her reticence.
For someone far removed from the creation of songs, it was intriguing to watch footage of Swift working both with her team and independently to make music. Viewers also get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of Swift working on a music video and a clip of Swift’s reaction to receiving a guitar as a child. Swift also acknowledges a new relationship that began in the year that she disappeared.
The documentary is a well-constructed compilation of concert footage, home video-style takes, interview clips and Swift speaking to the viewer. There is a good mix of Swift’s voiceover and her music throughout. It is engaging as it moves through some of the most significant points in her career.
Overall, I think the documentary is significant in its content and message. It addresses the struggles artists, especially female, face, the standards they are held to and the difficulties of fame. I hope people watch “Miss Americana” and understand that celebrities are people, too, and that what the world sees on the surface is hardly indicative of what the depths hold.