There are rock legends, and then there's Bruce Springsteen. Referred to as The Boss for a good reason, he has ascended to the heights of popular culture, collecting numerous gold and platinum awards along the way. His uplifting, anthem-like songs such as ‘Born To Run’ and ‘Dancing In The Dark’ have captivated millions, but the New Jersey icon has a darker side, one that emerges in his stark 1982 masterpiece ‘Nebraska’.
‘Nebraska’ represents a dramatic shift from his previous work, startling record industry executives – a harrowing collection of songs centered around despair in post-industrial America, it captured Springsteen during a difficult time in his life. However, through his decision to seek help – soon after, he began therapy – and his dedication to his art, Springsteen found the resilience needed to move forward toward even greater accomplishments.
New film Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere brings this narrative to life. Loosely based on Warren Zanes’ 2023 book, the film is directed by lifelong Springsteen enthusiast Scott Cooper. The director openly shares his obsession with ‘Nebraska’ at various stages of his life – for him, it served as both a refuge and a source of inspiration, as he would play it softly on repeat while working on previous projects like Crazy Heart, Black Mass, and the underrated Western film Hostiles.
“For me, it illustrates the power of honesty,” the filmmaker explains. “It arrived during a crucial time in my life, as a teenager feeling disaffected, disillusioned, and uncertain about my place in the world. Yet, every time I listened to it, my perspective shifted. I experienced it during my lowest and highest moments, always connecting with its lyrics and sound.”
A profound piece in Springsteen’s discography, ‘Nebraska’ emerged from a time of personal struggle, as the songwriter confronted painful childhood memories. As shown in the film, his father – portrayed poignantly by Stephen Graham – was distant, at times abusive, and struggled to form a loving bond with his son.
“It’s the toughest screenplay I’ve had to write,” Scott asserts. “How do you translate a man sitting in a room crafting his most personal record into a cinematic experience? And how do you portray something that remains unvoiced?”
“I’ll let others judge whether I succeeded in capturing that,” he adds. “But I will say that there are two individuals whose opinions matter most to me who feel I achieved that – Bruce Springsteen and Jon Landau.”
Both Springsteen and his longtime manager Jon Landau contributed to the film’s development – they consulted with the team, verified facts for the script, and participated in certain scenes. For Stephen Graham, the singer’s involvement was crucial in revealing the truth and complexity of his character, a man overwhelmed by expectations and the sense of inadequacy stemming from working-class life in America.
“It’s what’s on the script,” the actor tells Clash. “It’s about extracting what’s on the page, engaging in discussions with Scott, and attempting to be as genuine as possible – personally – to breathe life into Bruce’s father while uncovering the truth I could access. I trusted my director implicitly. I admire Scott; he’s an excellent director, and I’ve always liked his films. We were meant to collaborate a few years back, but the timing didn’t align. So this opportunity felt wonderful.”
“I remember him reaching out, saying he had written the script, spoken to Bruce, and envisioned me for the character. It’s not a large role, but I could bring the needed gravity, pathos, and heart to it. Immediately, I thought – wow! What an honor to be told that. And then it’s about tapping into my own experiences while staying true to the script.”
Jeremy White takes on the lead role, and his charisma elevates Deliver Me From Nowhere to a unique level. Those working on set and behind the camera were consistently captivated by the actor’s transformation, completely embracing the persona of Bruce Springsteen.
Director Scott Cooper expresses his admiration: “I believe Jeremy White grasped the challenge of embodying Bruce Springsteen remarkably. How do you authentically portray Bruce in a way that also resonates with the audience’s love for him? Viewers will bring their preconceived notions about who Bruce is to this film!”
“I think Jeremy White navigates that beautifully. It’s not mimicry; it captures Bruce’s essence and spirit. Honestly, I was surprised by his amazing singing ability and his ability to move, speak, and sing like Bruce. He truly is an extraordinary talent.”
The film centers around the evolving dynamic between Bruce Springsteen and the fictional Faye Romano, a character inspired by various women in his life during that era. Odessa Young’s depiction of a working-class woman who falls for the rock star and strives to connect with him introduces one of the film’s most powerful emotional journeys.
A devoted Springsteen fan herself –
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There are rock legends, and then there’s Bruce Springsteen. Dubbed The Boss for a valid reason, he has ascended to the height of popular culture.