Taylor Swift has described the music video for her new single Patient Zero as a tribute to the “cinematic and literary genres I love so much.” The video features Swift, Dakota Johnson, and Colin Farrell, with Swift playing the dead ex-wife of Johnson’s husband, portrayed by Farrell.
In the video, Swift’s ghost follows Johnson through her life, warning her that Farrell is trying to kill her in the same way he killed Swift. The video premiered at the MTV Video Music Awards and was shot by Oscar-winning cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki, also known as Chivo.
Swift’s tribute to cinematic and literary genres
Writing on Instagram, Swift said: “The Patient Zero video is finally out in the world! Getting to work with @chivexp was something out of a dream sequence, and I learned so much from getting to watch his genius in action.”
She added: “I want to thank @dakotajohnson and Colin for trusting me with their time, taste, and talent (Giggling with your friend because you’re twinning for an entire shoot was a new and truly delightful experience). And Colin’s turn as a villain is even more impressive when you get to be around him. He’s an absolute light and as kind as they come.”
Swift continued: “@caradelevingne, thank you for agreeing to play the lusty other woman. That’s what friends are for? With the Patient Zero video, I got to explore the cinematic and literary genres I love so much. I wanted to incorporate elements of gothic ghost stories, true crime, psychological thrillers all in a setting I hadn’t really shot in much.”
Behind the scenes and creative team
She explained: “The house was a metaphor for the coldness of a relationship that’s faded and atrophied. Thank you to @ethantobman for your insightful production design and bringing that feeling to life. My editor @chancler has outdone himself. And lastly, thank you to the @vmas for giving us a World Premiere at the place where celebrating music videos became a thing. And so much love for you guys, always.”
US actress Johnson is best known for starring in the Fifty Shades Of Grey franchise and The Materialists, while Irish actor Farrell is known for The Banshees Of Inisherin and The Batman.
New music and record-breaking VMA night
Patient Zero is the first of four new songs on Swift’s expanded version of the album The Life of A Showgirl, which marks her first new music since she married NFL star Travis Kelce on July 3.
On Sunday, Swift became the most decorated artist in the history of the MTV Video Music Awards. The 36-year-old, previously tied with Beyonce on 30 VMA gongs, took home the night’s top award, video of the year, for The Fate of Ophelia. She also received the first award for artist director and best direction for Opalite.
