Why We Can't Stop Arguing About Bruce Springsteen's 'Nebraska'
The Springsteen biopic Deliver Me From Nowhere highlights why Bruce Springsteen’s album Nebraska continues to spark debate. The album has always been a topic of passionate discussion, and the film has only intensified those conversations.
Box Office and Reception
Deliver Me From Nowhere underperformed at the box office, earning $16.1 million during its opening weekend. While this might appear successful to some, the film's budget of $55 million was considered excessive for a story about an album originally recorded on a $400 tape deck. Critics have delivered mixed reviews.
New Perspectives on a Classic
The movie introduces fans to an alternate "Electric Nebraska," showcasing how the album might have sounded if Springsteen had included the E Street Band. This reimagining has fueled fresh debates among fans.
Similar to Radiohead’s Kid A, released just 18 months later, Nebraska offered intense entertainment value not just through its music but through the passionate arguments it inspires—whether from those who love or dislike it.
Memorable Scenes
One of the film's funniest moments captures Jimmy Iovine, playing himself, yelling over the phone at manager Jon Landau about the folly of releasing a folk album. Another memorable moment shows Landau planning to play the album for Iovine and Stevie Nicks, though the film does not reveal Stevie's reaction.
Performances
The movie features Oscar-worthy performances from Jeremy Allen White as Springsteen and Jeremy Strong as Landau.
"Jimmy Iovine over the phone, screaming at manager Jon Landau over how idiotic it is to release this folk record."
"The movie has Oscar-bait performances from Jeremy Allen White as the Boss and Jeremy Strong as Landau."
Overall, the film provides a compelling lens on why Nebraska remains a polarizing and beloved album decades after its release.
Author's summary: The biopic Deliver Me From Nowhere revives fierce debates about Springsteen's Nebraska, exploring its legacy and alternate sounds through compelling performances and unforgettable scenes.