Taylor Swift has delighted fans with two extended versions of her Nineties-inspired music video for "Opalite." The superstar shared the new cuts on Friday, offering a deeper look into the creative process and behind-the-scenes moments.
Swift expressed her desire to preserve every detail of what she called a "hysterical shoot." The extended footage promises viewers an intimate glimpse into the making of the popular video, featuring dance rehearsals, notable cameos, and a playful nod to Nineties aesthetics.
Key Takeaways
- Taylor Swift released two extended versions of her "Opalite" music video.
- The new footage includes behind-the-scenes moments, dance lessons, and celebrity cameos.
- The video concept, an infomercial for a product called "Opalite," is further explained.
- Domhnall Gleeson, Greta Lee, Jodie Turner-Smith, and Lewis Capaldi make appearances.
- The extended versions are currently exclusive to streaming platforms.
A Dive into the Nineties Aesthetic
The "Opalite" music video transports viewers back to the 1990s, characterized by camcorder footage, oversized scrunchies, and fanny packs. Swift's vision for the video was to capture the era's unique charm and humor. The extended versions build on this, showing more of the meticulous planning involved in creating the nostalgic atmosphere.
In the first part of the extended footage, Swift discusses the origins of the video's concept. She initially presented the idea during an appearance on The Graham Norton Show. The show's star-studded cast, including Cillian Murphy, Greta Lee, Jodie Turner-Smith, Domhnall Gleeson, and Lewis Capaldi, were all part of the conversation.
Fun Fact
Cillian Murphy, though not physically present for filming, was included "in spirit" as a poster within the fake mall setting of the video.
During the Graham Norton appearance in October, Domhnall Gleeson jokingly expressed his wish to be in a Taylor Swift music video. The extended cut shows the surprised reactions of Lee, Turner-Smith, and Capaldi as that casual comment turned into a reality for Gleeson.
"Thank god because I think we were all thinking it," Jodie Turner-Smith remarks in her aerobics instructor costume, recalling Gleeson's bold statement.
Gleeson himself admits he was shocked when Swift later informed him he would actually need to dance. "This dance thing is new. I want everyone to know that," he states in the behind-the-scenes footage, highlighting his unexpected role.
Crafting the "Opalite" Concept
The core concept of the "Opalite" video revolves around an infomercial selling a fictional product. This product, also named Opalite, is presented as a revolutionary solution to life's problems. It promises to transform difficulties into a personal paradise using a "state-of-the-art chemical potion."
Swift herself further clarifies the product's philosophy in the extended video. She explains the distinction between "Nope-alite" and "Opalite." "Nope-alite is for people who want to choose to be unhealed, Opalite is for people who want to choose a path that serves them," she says.
Video Concept Explained
The "Opalite" infomercial claims its product can resolve issues in various relationships, including those with friends, partners, pets, and co-workers. This satirical approach adds a layer of humor to the Nineties aesthetic.
Directorial Vision and Collaboration
Throughout the first part of the extended footage, Swift embraces her temporary brunette hair, calling it "my best look ever" while filming with a camcorder. She is also seen diligently practicing the video's final dance sequence with renowned choreographer Mandy Moore.
Part two of the extended version showcases Swift's directorial skills as she works closely with Capaldi, Turner-Smith, and Lee on their cameo performances. Graham Norton also makes an appearance in these behind-the-scenes segments, offering insight into Swift's process.
"The treatment was so detailed, and it's so close to what we're actually doing, and I think that's quite a rare thing," Norton observes, praising the clarity of Swift's vision.
Cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto, a frequent collaborator with Swift on her music videos, also spoke about their working relationship. "I just love the way our working relationship has developed," he notes. A candid moment shows Swift testing a fanny pack camera angle, catching a glance from Prieto, and jokingly remarking, "He is so sick of my shit."
Streaming Exclusivity and Future Availability
Both extended versions of "Opalite" are currently available exclusively on streaming platforms. This distribution strategy mirrors Swift's initial release of the original "Opalite" music video, which premiered solely on Spotify and Apple Music.
The decision to initially bypass YouTube for the premiere followed changes in Billboard charts' methodology, which saw YouTube withdrawing its data. The original "Opalite" video was later uploaded to YouTube a few days after its initial streaming-only debut.
Fans are now hopeful that the extended versions will also become available on YouTube in the near future, following the pattern of the original release. This move allows for a more controlled rollout and potentially boosts engagement on specific platforms before wider availability.
- The original "Opalite" video premiered exclusively on Spotify and Apple Music.
- YouTube received the video a few days later.
- The extended versions are following a similar exclusive streaming release.