The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

(Image credit: Netflix)

The purpose of documentaries is to depict reality, but is it the same case when the subject under scrutiny has the final say? Following its premiere at Sundance Film Festival, Netflix released documentary film, Miss Americana on the 31^st of January, which went behind the scenes with Taylor Swift, offering audiences from around the globe a new perspective on the mega pop star’s rollercoaster of a career.

The film opens up with Swift’s reaction to her album, Reputation (2017) being snubbed from the major categories at the Grammys. She did not throw a tantrum or lose her mind; she simply said, in a completely composed manner, that she will make a better record. We follow Swift as she heads to the studio and involves herself into the conception of her new album, Lover (2019) from A-Z.

We watch as she makes fun of her face during the shooting of her Me! music video. We get to see a spontaneous, humble, and raw side to Swift’s persona, which is often painted by the media as rather promiscuous and uncontrollable. Most importantly, we revisit her infamous run-in with Kanye West at the 2009 Video Music Awards, when he got on stage and compared her You Belong with Me video to Beyoncé’s Single Ladies, favouring the latter. We flash forward to an all-new Swift, who is not afraid to get political, and encouraging her fans to vote for the midterm elections. 

Director Lana Wilson was truly able to capture the sensitive side of Swift with intimate shots of her private life. We could not help but sympathise with Swift’s dilemmas and personal challenges, including her secret eating disorder. Swift was not happy seeing herds of paparazzi camped outside her house; she developed a strong urge to abstain from food because she did not like the way the pictures usually showed her. I finished the film knowing that fame was not the answer, and fortune does not necessarily guarantee happiness. The peace of mind that Swift longed for only came with long sessions in the studio with her producer, Joel Little, or being with her cat.

The documentary does depict reality, at least from Swift’s eyes. There is no doubt that her management team prioritised certain topics above others, but in the end, I felt like I wanted to support her cause. Her ability to achieve longevity in a business so ruthless is incredibly impressive and deserves attention. One thing for sure, Swift’s “good girl” image has not changed per se, but, with her turning 30, it has evolved into a talented young lady who is trying to do the right thing.