Born to flop: ‘Deliver Me From Nowhere’ struggles as Bruce Springsteen’s biopic
Bruce Springsteen is undeniably brilliant and talented, but the new biopic "Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere" fails to capture excitement. Starring Jeremy Allen White from "The Bear," the film has grossed only $19.4 million worldwide. This is disappointing for a Disney-backed movie about an American music icon who sold over 128 million albums in 52 years.
Audience reception and box office
Viewers who have seen the film generally like it, with "Deliver Me From Nowhere" holding an 83% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite positive reception, ticket sales remain low. The core issue seems to be the slow pace and lack of dramatic tension in the story.
Why the lack of interest?
Springsteen’s life, while rich in musical achievement, is portrayed as a calm and reflective journey rather than a high-drama saga. After a brief marriage to Julianne Phillips, he has been with his wife Patti Scialfa for 34 years. The film ends when he is 32, dealing with anxiety, without covering his later life and career milestones.
“Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere” was not born to run.
One of the greatest songwriters of all time happens to be a nice, mostly drama-free, soul-searching open book.
The lack of action-packed events or intense conflict means the film doesn’t fit the typical blockbuster or awards season profile. Instead, it offers a more contemplative and gentle glimpse into Springsteen’s early struggles.
Summary
The biopic’s quiet, introspective approach limits its appeal, making it a thoughtful but less commercially successful portrayal of Bruce Springsteen.
Author’s summary: The calm, introspective portrayal of Bruce Springsteen in “Deliver Me From Nowhere” has earned good reviews but fails to attract a broad audience due to its slow, low-drama narrative.