Bruce Springsteen’s upcoming biopicSpringsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhereis taking a major swing, but the first trailer has already convinced me it will work.Springsteen, a.ka. “The Boss,“is one of the most electric rock stars ever. He always delivers tremendous energy and presence on stage, and is supported by the excellent E Street Band.
Songs like “Born to Run” and “Born in the USA” have made the New Jersey native one of the most celebrated musicians throughout his over 50-year career. However,Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowherefocuses on only one timeframe in his career. The filmchronicles the making of his 1982 albumNebraska, and details his struggles with his past as he emerges into a superstar.
The Bear’sJeremy Allen White is portraying the iconic singer, and is taking a bold swing with his performance bydoing his own singing. While White is an award-winning actor, Ihave concerns since Springsteen has such a unique voice. Fortunately, the first trailer already proved me wrong, and it’s a strategy that has led to success before.
Deliver Me From Nowhere’s Trailer Proved Jeremy Allen White’s Singing Springsteen’s Songs Will Work
White’s Voice Has An Uncanny Resemblance To The Boss
Thefirst trailer forSpringsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhereshows Springsteen working onNebraskawhile dealing with the ghosts of his past. The album was a change of pace for the artist as it stripped down his loud, audacious sound for a more intimate, acoustic record. The trailer gives a glimpse of what White’s voice sounds like, both in an acoustic and concert setting.
It starts with him humming the demo for “Starkweather,” which later becameNebraska’s titular song. He can be heard singing “Nebraska” throughout the trailer, with a smooth, somber style. It’s more obvious that it’s not Springsteen, but White still sounds similar to him. However,his voice has an uncanny resemblance to Springsteen’s at the end of the trailer, performing a section of “Born to Run.”
White has confirmed he’s singing in interviews, and did plenty of training to get ready for the role. He even received praise from Springsteen, who said onSirius XM’s “E Street Radio"that “He sings well, he sings very well.” After hearing it for myself in the trailer, it’s hard to believe it’s White at the end, belting out “Born to Run.”
While it’s a risky decision for an actor to do their own singing, it’s one that appears to pay off inSpringsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere. Itadds a level of authenticity to White’s performance, and it can often be distracting when an actor is noticeably lip-syncing. It has also worked in the past for many actors, who took the time to learn how to sing like famous musicians.
For example, Reese Witherspoon and Joaquin Phoenix did their own singing as June Carter and Johnny Cash inWalk the Line. Witherspoon won an Academy Award for her performance, and Phoenix also received a nomination.Timothée Chalamet was also nominated for an Oscarfor his portrayal of Bob Dylan inA Complete Unknown, where he also sang many of the songs himself.
Musical biopics are often favorites for award programs, and White could receive his first Oscar nomination for this role inSpringsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere, adding to the Emmys he’s won for his role inThe Bear. Springsteen is an artist who’s taken bold swings, so it’s only fitting that the actor who portrays him does the same.
