In the video’s opening scene, Taylor places herself within a painting of Ophelia as a direct reference to the namesake and plot device of the song.

In this set up, Taylor pays homage to Busby Berkeley’s elaborate showgirl choreography. 

In this set up, Taylor nods to theatrical play productions - twisting Ophelia’s drowning into a walk-the-plank suicide.

This particular set up from the “Ophelia” was one of the most intriguing and layered.