The first music video of Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department, titled “Fortnight,” features sweeping cinematic storytelling with symbolic elements, directed by Swift herself. The video includes a surprise reunion of Dead Poets Society actors Ethan Hawke and Josh Charles, who played characters in the iconic 1989 film. The inclusion of the duo, sporting their DPS character names on lab coats, serves as a poignant callback to the coming-of-age drama’s themes of seizing the day. Fans were delighted by this unexpected connection, as Swift continues to weave intricate references throughout her work, creating a visual representation of her album’s stories.
A ‘Dead Poets Society’ Reunion in a Taylor Swift Music Video Was NOT on My Bingo Card
Taylor Swift has once again proven her mastery in the art of storytelling with the release of the first music video from her album, The Tortured Poets Department. The video for the song “Fortnight,” a collaboration with Post Malone, was dropped just a day after the album’s double release, showcasing Swift’s incredible work ethic and creativity. In typical Swift fashion, the video is a visual feast, shot in black and white with intricate symbolism that ties back to the album’s themes.
Swift’s Cinematic Storytelling
In the music video for “Fortnight,” Taylor Swift takes the reins as director, delivering a cinematic experience filled with metaphorical elements and references to the songs on the album. From a black dog symbolizing darkness to a typewriter nodding to the track “The Tortured Poets Department,” Swift meticulously weaves layers of meaning into every frame. The video culminates in a silent movie-style ending credits card, complete with whimsical cats in the corners, adding a touch of nostalgia and charm.
A Surprise Dead Poets Society Reunion
One of the most unexpected and delightful surprises in the music video is the reunion of two actors from the iconic film Dead Poets Society. Ethan Hawke and Josh Charles, who played Todd Anderson and Knox Overstreet respectively in the 1989 coming-of-age drama, make a cameo as scientists in a scene where Swift is connected to an electric shock machine. The reunion of these two actors, who shared the screen in a film beloved by many, is a heartwarming tribute to the classic movie.
Connecting the Dots: Dead Poets Society and The Tortured Poets Department
In Dead Poets Society, Ethan Hawke’s character, Todd Anderson, embarks on a journey of self-discovery and creativity under the guidance of the unconventional English teacher, Professor Keating, played by Robin Williams. The film explores themes of seizing the day and pursuing one’s passions, resonating deeply with audiences. Swift’s album title, The Tortured Poets Department, pays homage to the themes of artistic expression and emotional depth found in Dead Poets Society, creating a strong connection between the two works.
As Hawke and Charles don lab coats with their characters’ names from Dead Poets Society, the music video cleverly merges the worlds of film and music, inviting fans to revisit the nostalgia of the beloved movie. The reference to DPS in Swift’s video is a testament to her attention to detail and her ability to create intricate narratives that resonate with audiences on multiple levels.
Taylor Swift’s music video for “Fortnight” not only showcases her musical talent but also serves as a visual homage to the themes of creativity, friendship, and seizing the moment—themes that are central to both Dead Poets Society and The Tortured Poets Department. The unexpected reunion of Ethan Hawke and Josh Charles adds an extra layer of nostalgia and joy to the video, making it a must-watch for fans of both Swift and the classic film. So, grab some popcorn, cue up Dead Poets Society, and enjoy the magic of storytelling in all its forms.
