Hey, guess what? Taylor Swift has broken yet another record. This time around, it’s the record for most VMA wins in history, one she secured by claiming the first-ever Artist Directors Honours. This means she has officially surpassed her shared record with Beyoncé.
What better way to celebrate such an achievement than to share the world-premiere of the music video to her new single Patient Zero? I mean, come on, it’s Taylor – of course she can’t just simply accept the award.
Now, I hate to say it, but the video itself is kind of basic. Dakota Johnson and Colin Farrell star alongside Swift as a dysfunctional couple, one that followed Swift’s very own toxic relationship with Farrell. I get the point she’s trying to make (a point that feels quite pointed towards her ex Joe Alwyn, but honestly, it could be about any of her exes), and so I understand why it couldn’t be all poppy and light. But the bland colour palette is just a bit blah, and the short acting interlude halfway through doesn’t really add much flavour. But hey, the star power is still there, I guess.
Taylor Swift accepts the award. AP Photo/Chris Pizzello
“I got to start making music videos… 20 years ago and since then I’ve gotten to be a part of making 60 music videos, roughly,” Swift said before sharing the video. “Eighteen of those I wrote and directed and I really love writing and directing music videos. The main reason why I love that is because you, the fans, make it so much fun. You make it so rewarding. You actually care about what we’re making.”
There’s no denying that Swift is a visionary, a poet, a mastermind – all words used to describe her before the pop juggernaut took to the stage – and this record simply re-affirms that. It’s just a shame the video fell flat.
Dakota Johnson, left, gives Swift a hug. AP Photo/Chris Pizzello