Blake Lively’s Directorial Debut: in 2021 do female directors get the attention they deserve?

Words by Laura Claire, Writer.

Image courtesy of Taylor Swift.

Music fans rejoice, it's been a big week in the industry. Not only has Adele (finally) gifted us her highly anticipated fourth album, we’ve been treated to Taylor Swift’s re-recorded version of Red. While both these albums are set to dominate UK charts for the foreseeable, the latter contains a couple of songs causing a media frenzy for all the wrong reasons.

 While it initially seemed that Swift’s ten minute track “All Too Well” scooped most of the album’s attention, the singer stirred something of a sensation on her Instagram as she directed fans to watch “the reddest video EVER.” Enter new song ‘I Bet You Think About Me.’ A track which, interestingly, wasn’t included on the previously released version of the album but now comes complete with a six minute video.  Both songs, according to media sources and fans alike, supposedly take a swipe at Jake Gyllenhaal who was linked to Swift over ten years ago. Seems straightforward, so why has this become problematic in 2021?

 Having already amassed over 18 million views within seven days of its release, the accompanying video to Swift’s ‘I Bet You Think About Me’ spotlights the directorial debut of Blake Lively. A music video ruminating on all things red, Lively’s diligent attention to detail doesn’t miss a mark. Breaking down boundaries of gender, ableism and non-inclusivity, Lively showcases both plus-size actors and a skirt-wearing individual at a urinal. What we witness on screen strikes a simple but effective balance: yes we can live out our wildest dreams (pun absolutely intended) but not at the cost of inclusivity.

 Despite Swift’s well placed praise of Lively’s directorial handling, writing on Instagram “I finally got to work with the brilliant, brave, and wickedly funny @blakelively,” why has this visual accomplishment become largely overshadowed in its media reception?  Truth is, our screens have since been dominated with a constant tirade of sources scrutinising loosely woven clues in hopes of gaining the smallest of insight into the sordid secrets of our celebrity crushes. While we all love a good guessing game, how is it that in 2021 a female director breaking boundaries in a male dominated industry comparatively generates so little attention. Seems ironic for an album that was re-released in order for the artist to take control and champion female ownership. Only once we decide where the real celebration lies, can we finally have empowerment.