Jeremy Allen White, known for his role in 'The Bear,' delves into his portrayal of music icon Bruce Springsteen in the upcoming biopic 'Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere.' The film, set to release on October 24, explores the creation of Springsteen's 1982 album 'Nebraska' and the mental health struggles that influenced it.
Key Takeaways
- Jeremy Allen White portrays Bruce Springsteen in 'Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere.'
- The film focuses on the making of Springsteen's 1982 album 'Nebraska.'
- White connected with Springsteen's experience of feeling like an 'observer of his own life.'
- Jeremy Strong plays Springsteen's longtime manager and co-producer, Jon Landau.
- Both actors are garnering Oscar buzz for their performances.
Bringing Bruce Springsteen's 'Nebraska' to Life
The new film 'Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere' offers an intimate look at a pivotal moment in Bruce Springsteen's career. It centers on the period in 1982 when Springsteen, then 32, wrote and recorded his critically acclaimed album 'Nebraska.' This album, known for its raw, acoustic sound, marked a significant departure from his previous radio-friendly hits like 'Born to Run' and 'Hungry Heart.'
Many in the music industry at the time viewed the project as a risky, potentially career-ending move. However, for Springsteen, it was a necessary artistic and personal endeavor, a form of therapy to confront unaddressed childhood trauma and mental health challenges.
Album Fact
Bruce Springsteen recorded 'Nebraska' entirely on a four-track recorder in his home, creating a stark, introspective sound that contrasted sharply with his stadium rock image.
White's Personal Connection to the Role
Jeremy Allen White, 34, immersed himself in the role, learning to emulate Springsteen's distinctive walk, talk, and vocal style. Beyond the physical aspects, White found a deep personal connection to Springsteen's emotional state during the 'Nebraska' period.
He recalls a candid conversation with Springsteen in his dressing room at London's Wembley Stadium. White asked the music legend why he was allowing this film to be made. Springsteen's response offered a profound insight into his motivations.
"I just felt I was an observer of my own life. I didn’t feel present at all and it was one of the scariest moments of my life."
This feeling resonated strongly with White. "That was a feeling I was familiar with," White stated. "The idea of becoming more present in my life, and the fear of losing myself, was very close to me." This shared experience became a guiding light for White throughout the production process, creating an "invisible tether" between actor and subject.
The Dynamic Duo: Springsteen and Landau
Central to the film is the enduring relationship between Bruce Springsteen and his manager and co-producer, Jon Landau. Jeremy Strong, 46, known for his role in 'Succession,' portrays Landau, who has been a steady hand in Springsteen's career for roughly 50 years.
White and Strong met for the first time before filming, both admitting to initial nervousness. Strong, who had previously played a mentor figure in 'The Apprentice,' recognized an immediate connection with White. "We both knew immediately that we had a tacit connection that didn’t require any discussion," Strong explained. "It just felt palpable."
Background on Jon Landau
Jon Landau, a music critic turned manager and producer, famously wrote in 1974, "I saw rock and roll future, and its name is Bruce Springsteen." He became instrumental in shaping Springsteen's career and artistic direction.
A Powerful Improvised Scene
One of the film's most poignant moments involves a wordless scene between Landau and Springsteen. Before Springsteen's departure for California, Landau plays Sam Cooke’s “The Last Mile of the Way.” The two men sit on the floor, holding hands, listening to the song.
White describes the scene as a moment of peace amid Springsteen's deepening depression. "We’re on this journey with Bruce as he’s sinking deeper down into his depression, and it was really wonderful to have this moment of peace and joy and belonging before that loneliness settles in," White said. He added that depression is not linear, with "waves and hills and valleys," making such moments of levity crucial.
The scene had an element of improvisation. Strong, through his research, knew that Springsteen and Landau often stayed up all night sharing music. The night before filming, Strong texted the real Springsteen and Landau, asking, "If you were going to play a song to save your friend’s life, what might that be?" Springsteen eventually suggested "Last Mile of the Way," a song about enduring a dark period before reaching a better place.
White was genuinely surprised by the song choice during filming. "Sam Cooke is one of my favorite artists ever," he revealed. "To be genuinely surprised hearing this, and also to be in this caring presence, it didn’t take much work for me."
Oscar Buzz and Family Approval
Both Jeremy Allen White and Jeremy Strong are already generating significant buzz for potential Oscar nominations. Critics on the film festival circuit have praised their performances, highlighting the depth and authenticity they bring to their roles.
However, for the actors, the most meaningful validation has come from Bruce Springsteen's family. White recounted Springsteen's sister's reaction after seeing the film: "I'm so glad we have this."
White believes this sentiment reflects Springsteen's own feelings. "To make Bruce happy and feel proud of the work we did, and want to share it with his family and these people who've been in his orbit forever – I mean, that's all you could really ask for. We did our job." The film promises to be a powerful and honest portrayal of a legendary artist's vulnerable journey.