Ethan Hawke recently reunited with his Dead Poets Society co-star Josh Charles after 35 years in Taylor Swift's latest music video. The renowned singer-songwriter released her 11th studio album, 'The Tortured Poets Department,' and unveiled the first music video from the album, 'Fortnight feat. Post Malone.' Directed by Swift herself, the video surprised fans with an Easter Egg referencing the classic film Dead Poets Society.
Released in 1989, the same year Swift was born, Dead Poets Society stars the late Robin Williams as the unconventional professor Mr. Keating, who leaves a lasting impact on his students at the strict Welton Academy boarding school.
In the 'Fortnight' music video, Hawke and Charles portray scientists Dr. Anderson and Dr. Overstreet, respectively, a clever nod to their characters from Dead Poets Society. The video, shot entirely in black and white, mirrors the dark academic aesthetic of the iconic film.
The storyline of the video sees Swift waking up in what seems to be a mental asylum before being taken to a lab where the two scientists are conducting experiments on her. Chained upright to monitors, Swift undergoes examination while the scientists observe her vitals and take notes. A dramatic moment unfolds when a major shock is sent through the pop star, only for Post Malone's character, another scientist in the video, to come to her rescue.
Throughout the video, typewriters make an appearance, symbolizing Swift's lyrical themes from 'The Tortured Poets Department' and paying homage to the typewriters used in Dead Poets Society.
Swift's foray into directing began in 2010 with her music video for 'Mine' from the album 'Speak Now.' Since then, she has helmed several self-directed projects, showcasing her storytelling prowess visually. Notable works include 'ME!' in 2019, 'All Too Well: The Short Film,' and 'Karma.'
With a desire to further explore directing, Swift's deep appreciation for films like Dead Poets Society is evident in her latest creative endeavors. The 'Fortnight' music video marks another milestone in Swift's evolving career as a multifaceted artist.
Sources: Taylor Swift & Ethan Hawke/Instagram
Set in an all-boys prep school in the 1950s, Dead Poets Society follows John Keating (Robin Williams), an English teacher who inspires his students to appreciate poetry, think critically, and view life from a fresh perspective. The cast also includes Ethan Hawke, Robert Sean Leonard, and Josh Charles.
