Springsteen biopic Deliver Me From Nowhere is a great watch for fans, but would others enjoy it as much?

Film review: Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere (12A) - seen at The Light, Wisbech

Starring: Jeremy Allen White, Jeremy Strong, Stephen Graham and Odessa Young

Director: Scott Cooper Run time: One hour, 59 minutes

On a long car journey with my family back in 1984, a 14-year-old me heard Dancing In The Dark on the radio and so began a lifelong love of Bruce Springsteen’s music.

Of his eight wonderful albums from 1972-1987, Nebraska has always been my least favourite- but when I heard a film was coming out about its making, I was never going to miss it.

And, having seen the blood, sweat, tears and emotion that an on-the-edge Springsteen put into it, the songs have taken on a new life for me. That’s the power of music, and film, I suppose.

This superb film is about more than just a rock and roll artist bringing out his sixth album, though.

It's about a tortured soul coming to terms with the fame he knows is only going to get bigger, while wrestling with the disappointment and hurt of a fractured relationship with a tough dad who didn't show his son the love he deserved.

If I were in awe of the way Timothée Chalamet played Bob Dylan in last year's superb A Complete Unknown (2024) biopic, then I struggle for words to describe Jeremy Allen White's portrayal of Springsteen.

He sings like him, moves like him and even mirrors small affectations that only dedicated fans of The Boss will recognise.

Jeremy Strong is convincing as manager John Landau, trying to control his protégé while dealing with his own awe and confusion at Springsteen’s genius.

And Odessa Young is equally impressive as girlfriend Faye, beautiful and grounded but unable to break through the shield put up by the tormented star.

This relationship is one of the few fictions in the film, but apparently indicative of the complicated relationships he had at the time.

The wonderful Stephen Graham plays The Boss' tough, unhappy dad Douglas and is convincing, as always.

The making of Nebraska is legendary among music fans. A star on the edge of world domination, putting out a haunting acoustic album recorded in his New Jersey bedroom when the world, and his record company, expected bombastic rock anthems.

But who knew many of the classics from the Born In The USA album that would propel him to superstardom two years later were recorded at this time?

I watched this on my own, aware that my wife and others I go to the cinema with are not into Springsteen as much as me and may not enjoy the film.

Having seen it, I’m still not sure. For me, it was superb. I do hope those who are not fans of Bruce feel the same.

Rating: 9/10

By Jetemy Ransome