New Biopic Explores Bruce Springsteen’s Formative Years
This biopic about Bruce Springsteen examines the pivotal time in 1982 when he isolated himself in Colts Neck, New Jersey, to create what would become his seminal album Nebraska. Directed by Scott Cooper, the film portrays Springsteen confronting deep-seated childhood traumas, particularly his fraught relationship with his father, amid the backdrop of his burgeoning music career, reports BritPanorama.
Jeremy Allen White plays Springsteen, delivering a performance that captures the singer’s melancholic essence without transcending the role. The film also showcases dynamic musical sequences with White performing Springsteen’s songs himself, reflecting a character shaped by both artistry and personal struggles.
As Springsteen grapples with his father’s alcoholism, he begins to draw inspiration from the working-class realities around him. This creative period is marked by a shift in his songwriting, particularly following his encounter with Martin Sheen’s character in the film Badlands, which provokes a wave of songwriting that addresses themes of blue-collar despair and familial strife.
Flashbacks reveal a young Bruce protecting his mother from his father’s rages and wrestling with early signs of the depression that would haunt him for years. The actor Stephen Graham portrays Bruce’s father, Douglas, delivering a nuanced performance that avoids simplistic notions of villainy, allowing for a more complex exploration of toxic masculinity and its impact on familial bonds.
The film distinguishes itself with moments that challenge the typical biopic narrative, illustrating that inspiration does not always lend itself to predictable storytelling. A fictional romantic subplot involving a character named Faye adds some depth but feels somewhat contrived amid the more compelling family dynamics.
In supporting roles, Jeremy Strong plays Bruce’s manager, revealing the tensions between artistic vision and commercial expectations. Cooper’s direction, while occasionally heavy-handed, succeeds in capturing the intimate atmosphere of New Jersey during this transformative time for Springsteen.
During this creative phase, Springsteen also composed “Born in the USA,” noted for its ironic take on American life. The film effectively highlights the disconnection between art and the artist’s lived experience, underscoring that brilliance can emerge from despondency.
