Director and writer Scott Cooper presents a unique portrayal of legendary musician Bruce Springsteen in the film “Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere.” Unlike typical music biopics, this film serves as a character study that focuses on a pivotal moment in Springsteen’s life rather than an exhaustive retelling of his career. Drawing inspiration from Warren Zanes’ book of the same name, the film zeroes in on the period surrounding the creation of Springsteen’s acclaimed 1982 acoustic album, Nebraska.
Cooper’s narrative does not aim to cover Springsteen’s most famous hits or his entire life story. Instead, it delves deeply into the artist’s introspective journey during late 1981, when he sought solace in the quietude of his home in Colts Neck, New Jersey. After completing a tour, Springsteen finds himself grappling with the silence that surrounds him, which proves to be more overwhelming than the noise of fame. The film highlights his attempts to cope through outings at The Stone Pony, a local rock club, and a complicated relationship with a fan named Faye, played by Odessa Young.
In portraying Springsteen, actor Jeremy Allen White adopts the musician’s signature style, donning leather jackets and flannels. While he may not resemble Springsteen physically, White captures the essence of his persona, echoing the artist’s gritty charisma and emotional depth through live performances of the songs.
A significant aspect of “Deliver Me From Nowhere” is its exploration of the creative process. The film visualizes Springsteen’s emotional struggles and artistic endeavors through a series of black-and-white flashbacks. In these sequences, viewers witness his formative years marked by an alcoholic father, played by Stephen Graham, and a loving yet tumultuous mother, portrayed by Gaby Hoffman.
The film also addresses the influences that shaped Springsteen’s songwriting. He finds inspiration in literature and film, particularly in the works of Flannery O’Connor and Terrence Malick. Some of the most poignant moments arise as he reflects on the story of Charles Starkweather, a spree killer whose life parallels the darker themes of his music.
Despite its strengths, “Deliver Me From Nowhere” cannot entirely escape common pitfalls associated with biographical films. Several scenes portray the songwriting process in ways that feel formulaic. Nonetheless, the film excels in depicting Springsteen’s artistic synthesis, showcasing how he transforms personal memories into universal themes. The recording of Nebraska is particularly evocative, illustrating the artist’s commitment to preserving the raw, atmospheric quality of his work, even as it confounds his producer, Chuck Plotkin, played by Marc Maron, and manager Jon Landau, played by Jeremy Strong.
While the film offers an insightful look into Springsteen’s creative journey, it loses momentum towards the conclusion. The narrative meanders into a darker period of his life, lacking the emotional highs that typically define biographical storytelling. Cooper opts for a quieter, more introspective examination of Springsteen’s character, which, although compelling, may leave some viewers wanting more dynamic moments.
In summary, “Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere” provides a thoughtful perspective on the complexities of artistic expression and the personal challenges that accompany it. Although it may not fully satisfy those expecting a traditional biopic, the film presents a fascinating exploration of how iconic musicians navigate the depths of their creativity.
The film is rated PG-13 and is currently screening at various locations, including the AMC Boston Common and Alamo Drafthouse Seaport.
