Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere Review
Shouts where Nebraska whispered ★★☆☆☆
Scott Cooper has adapted the story of Nebraska for the big screen, but does the film live up to the legendary album it is based on?
Nebraska is one of the most mythic albums ever made, created through an unusually raw and intimate process. Warren Zane’s book, Deliver Me From Nowhere, dives deep into this process, exploring why Springsteen shifted from the expansive sound of The River tour—a double album featuring hits like "Hungry Heart"—to a sparse, dark acoustic record focused on personal and haunting themes of Americana's shadows.
Zane thoroughly examines the making of Nebraska, covering the recording sessions, the music’s grooves, commercial factors, and its meaning in Springsteen’s life at the time. However, what can be effectively captured in text does not always translate well to film.
Cooper’s film emphasizes how the album came to be, dedicating significant time to studio scenes and interactions with Springsteen’s manager Jon Landau, portrayed with finesse by Jeremy Strong. Yet, it falls short of revealing why Springsteen made these artistic choices.
Early in the movie, Springsteen is shown watching Terrence Malick’s Badlands and researching the Starkweather killings before composing the song "Nebraska."
"Deliver Me From Nowhere wants you to know the HOW of Nebraska, with lots of time spent in the studio and with Springsteen’s manager Jon Landau, played exquisitely by Jeremy Strong, but it never really gets down to the WHY."
Deliver Me From Nowhere offers insight into the album’s making but struggles to capture the full emotional gravity and intention behind Springsteen’s acclaimed work.
Author’s summary: The film explores the technical creation of Nebraska but misses the emotional depth that made the album a profound, intimate masterpiece.