Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere Review
Shouts Where Nebraska Whispered ★★☆☆☆
Scott Cooper adapted the story behind Nebraska for the big screen, but does the film match the power of the album it is based on? Nebraska stands as one of the most legendary albums ever, created through an unconventional process.
Warren Zane’s book, Deliver Me From Nowhere, delves into the album’s creation and explores why Springsteen took the direction he did. Coming off his double album The River, which mixed ballads with rock anthems and included his first Billboard Top 5 hit, "Hungry Heart," Springsteen then released a sparse, acoustic album filled with deeply personal lyrics and dark Americana themes.
Zane thoroughly examines the recording process, the album’s grooves, its commercial context, and its significance in Springsteen's life. However, what can be presented profoundly in text does not always translate perfectly to film.
Scott Cooper’s movie focuses on the how of Nebraska, dedicating much screen time to studio sessions and interactions with Springsteen’s manager, Jon Landau, played masterfully by Jeremy Strong. Yet, the film falls short of revealing the deeper why behind the album.
“Early in the film, we see Springsteen watching Terrence Malick’s Badlands and researching the Starkweather killings, then writing the song Nebraska.”
This moment hints at the album's dark inspiration but the movie doesn’t fully explore these layers.
Summary
Deliver Me From Nowhere offers a detailed look at the making of Nebraska but misses the emotional core that made the album a defining work in Springsteen’s career.
Author’s Conclusion
The film reveals the technical side of Nebraska yet lacks the emotional depth that made the original album profound and enduring.
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