Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere Explores the Boss’s Crisis Years

The upcoming film Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere offers an intimate look into the life and struggles of music legend Bruce Springsteen during his crisis years. Set to be released on October 23, 2023, in Australia and October 24, 2023, in the UK and the US, the film delves into both personal and artistic challenges faced by the iconic musician.

While the film attempts to break free from typical music biopic clichés, it occasionally falls into familiar patterns. A significant turning point occurs when Springsteen leaves his New Jersey roots for Los Angeles, seeking therapy in a new environment. This moment serves as a departure from the film’s earlier exposition, laden with dialogue that often feels overly dramatic, such as “I’m just trying to find something real in the noise!”

The film features Jeremy Allen White as Springsteen, who delivers a performance filled with depth and commitment. Stephen Graham portrays Springsteen’s troubled father, Douglas, providing a nuanced representation of their complex relationship. The film’s standout scene occurs between White and Graham, where Springsteen’s father, filled with regret, asks him to sit on his knee—a moment that emphasizes the emotional distance between them, as Springsteen gently reminds him that he is an adult.

At the core of the narrative is the making of Springsteen’s acclaimed album Nebraska, recorded in 1982 in his New Jersey bedroom. This album marked a pivotal moment in his career, allowing him to explore his artistic voice. It was an endeavor that the record label permitted, partly because they anticipated the success of his subsequent hit, Born in the USA. The film also draws inspiration from various themes, including the influence of literary figures like Flannery O’Connor and the infamous spree killer Charles Starkweather, who inspired Martin Sheen’s character in the film Badlands.

An intriguing yet fictional subplot involves Springsteen’s relationship with a character named Faye Romano, played by Odessa Young. Faye, introduced as a local girl with a complicated past, adds layers to Springsteen’s emotional journey. Despite their connection, Springsteen ultimately decides to leave Faye and her daughter behind, raising questions about the impact of his choices on their lives and his own sense of identity.

Despite some predictable elements, Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere aspires to be a thoughtful exploration of the human side of one of music’s greatest icons. While it may not fully escape the conventions of its genre, the film aims to portray the earnest struggles of a man seeking to reconcile his past with his present.

As audiences anticipate its release, the film promises to provide both die-hard fans and new viewers a glimpse into the complexities of Springsteen’s life and the art that has resonated with millions.