I had cancelled Netflix before. Because it was getting more and more expensive, while the content was stagnant. But then 2-3 months after I did, of course Miss Americana was only released on Netflix. I stuck to my guns to save money, read the Kaylor-verse to keep up somewhat, but was disappointed. Then, once coronavirus locked me down for a month, I got out the credit card (no matter the email, Netflix tracks the cards) and got a free trial. So I’m burning through all the content I ever want to see before my month runs out.
Miss Americana top of the list. Obviously.
It struck me that Taylor Swift’s Interactions (at least most of the ones portrayed on Miss Americana, which I understand is not everything in her life) left a lot to be desired. And not because of anything she did or didn’t do. I thought Taylor seemed honest, thoughtful, sweet, more open than I expected, and funny. She was talking to others. She told ideas, plans, and jokes. But almost all of the people that she was talking to on the film were: Distant, distracted, disengaged, disinterested (that may be too strong of a word), awkward, hysterical, over-emotional. 
From the start, when Taylor gets bad news in a phone call, and you can see she just wants to cry (like any person would) but she has to put on professionalism and hide her disappointment. Yes, it’s a job and it’s important to be a professional, but it made me sad she has to build a wall around her feelings even with her own people. In the studio, the producers seemed busy and like they were working just kind of half paying attention to what she was saying. Brendon Urie seemed like he was half-listening and ready to dart out the door when she was excitedly describing her inspiration. Todrick always seems self-absorbed and superficial, though I don’t really care for him, because he’s always stirring up drama so that just may be my perception. Abigail seemed like they had grown distant and no longer know each other–but that vibe might have just been her feeling awkward to be on film (maybe? hopefully?). At any rate, I thought they seemed uncomfortable with each other. Taylor’s Dad always seemed distant and authoritative, interrupting her and just being all-business from what I saw in the film.
I thought Taylor was especially gracious with her fans. But it’s such a one-way street. Meaning, many of them were screaming or sobbing when they saw/met her. And I kept wondering what I would do in that situation if I was as famous as Taylor. It’s such a weird way to interact. And Taylor handled it really well, being sweet and funny, and really putting up with shenanigans. Like, people, what are you expecting from Taylor when you come in so hot with that energy? Really, how is a person supposed to react to that? I think take it down a couple levels and treat her like she’s human. Because if I were in her shoes I honestly wouldn’t know how to be if someone came up to me screaming, shaking, sobbing, proposing in front of me. So major props to Taylor for being ultra cool in just strange interactions… I think that stuff would make me feel alien and lonely. But she was really nice, and I respect that a lot. 
I hope what the film didn’t show was real (two-way) conversations with people engaging with Taylor. I want for her to have someone who really is on her same level, and listens to her, and cares about her (not just what she can do, or do for them). I’m sure Miss Americana didn’t show every single thing. So I hope what it didn’t show was so many rich, authentic relationships. Will there be a sequel with Karlie, her friends, and her family relating to her on a more personal level? I hope, for the entertainment value for me, and for Taylor’s sake that there’s more to see…
Directors, editors, if you’re reading this, the first film seemed like Taylor was isolated, so if that wasn’t your point, please put in more personal connections and show that she can have a conversation. And Kaylor, always show more Kaylor 🙂 ❤ ❤ ❤
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