5.3.2

Intertextual References

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Intertextual References

Taylor Swift's’ music video borrows generic conventions from films as the video starts with a 40-second fight scene which acts as homage to iconic action films.

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Kill Bill

  • The opening can act as an intertextual reference to Kill Bill as the women are fighting an all-male group, similar to the film, and the gang appears to include members of Tokyo gang Crazy 88s.
  • A further intertextual reference is seen through the use of the point of view shot when Taylor falls from the window.
  • This seems to reference Lucy Liu as O-Ren Ishii in Kill Bill: Vol. 1.
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The Matrix

  • Taylor Swift also visually references elements of the sci-fi, action film The Matrix, particularly in the scene with the Trinity.
  • It is also referenced through the use of the bullet-time slow motion clip when going through the window.
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Sin City

  • The introduction of the video through the strong red credits of ‘Bad Blood’ seems to reference Sin City in terms of typography style and combination of the femme fatale on a smashed car.
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The Fifth Element

  • The choice of the white bandage costume when Swift is revealed on an operating table through a long shot seems to reference The Fifth Element.
  • The healing pod and can link to the narrative and the real story of betrayal Taylor faced.
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The Hunger Games

  • The montages included in the training environment can pay homage to the Hunger Games where the aim of the battle is to be the last person alive.
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James Bond

  • The invisible car used in the scene where Taylor Swift and Kendrick Lamar are revealed together can be seen as a direct reference to James Bond.

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