Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 1/2 (out of 5 stars)
Artists go through different seasons in their careers that can define or derail them. Jeremy Allen White (The Bear) takes on this expression of the artistic crossroads of Bruce Springsteen's life between two of the most successful albums. A story based on Warren Zanes' book Deliver Me from Nowhere depicts a darker chapter of the musician's journey as he wrestles with his newfound stardom.
Set in 1981, after his successful tour following his latest album, the singer/songwriter decided to take some time to write and record by himself near his hometown in New Jersey. He wrestled with the pressures of meeting his record label's demands, the future of his music, and his past while living alone during this time. While Springsteen's manager and record producer, Jon Landau (Jeremy Strong), did all he could to temper industry expectations, Bruce recorded his newest series of songs on a 4-track recorder for his career-defining album, Nebraska.
For those going into the cinema expecting a typical music biopic that showcases the songs that epitomise The Boss, Deliver Me from Nowhere will leave you wanting. Yet this does not mean that director Scott Cooper's (Crazy Heart) film doesn't have something for Bruce Springsteen's devoted fans. What is on offer for viewers is a deep dive into the creative process of the man behind some of the most recognisable tunes of the modern era. Jeremy Allen White expresses the inner battle that occurs when an artist taps into the emotional layers of his soul to find himself as he looks to expose his work to the world.
Warren Zanes' biographical retelling of the making of Nebraska is less a musical biopic and more of a psychological drama that shows the value of community and family. Despite the challenges in Springsteen's relationship with his father, Douglas Springsteen (Stephen Graham), this story shows how the musician needed to address his past to move on. There are some great musical performances, but they are overshadowed by the relational and internal tussles Bruce went through in the early '80s. This allows for outstanding work from Allen White, Strong, Graham and Gaby Hoffmann, who plays Bruce's mother, Adele.
Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere embodies the legendary artist by not being a typical music biopic. There are fewer tunes than what fans may desire from Bruce. Yet, this cinematic memoir allows the audience to see into the heart of the man behind the music that influenced a generation. A personal artistic sketch that will have you desiring to put a cassette into the car radio while taking a drive in a Z28 as you head on a road trip to honour The Boss.
Reel Dialogue and Third Space have entered the world of YouVersion: Download the app, dive into the plans, and engage with the Bible in a fresh and exciting way.
Reel Dialogue: Do you need to be a fan of The Boss to enjoy this movie?
No, but be warned that you may come out on the other end as a fan or at least appreciate the artistic process of making music.
The danger is comparing this film to James Mangold's A Complete Unknown, which showcased a creative chapter of Bob Dylan's career. Deliver Me from Nowhere is less of a concert experience and more of a dive into the process musicians go through to deliver their creations. This excursion into the heart of the man behind Born to Run, Glory Days and Born in the USA will open the door to his life, past and music.
At the same time, this story will force the viewer to ask why humans go through the arduous process of creating music. It is a complex idea, but the profound and straightforward point is that a creative God has woven music into every aspect of our lives.
The true master musician inspires the best of this artistic expression of this world of structured sound. Even though the artist may not acknowledge God in this process, there is a spiritual element that cannot be ignored. Humanity yearns for music and how it transports souls into every emotion known to mankind. It arouses the artist in us because it is part of our DNA. The created are creative because we are the artistry of the master creator, the true Boss. Thoughts?
