In a compelling new film titled “Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere,” actor Jeremy Allen White takes on the iconic persona of musician Bruce Springsteen. Directed by Scott Cooper, the movie delves into a pivotal time in Springsteen’s life during the early 1980s, exploring his struggles with personal trauma and the creative process behind his landmark album, “Nebraska.”
Set in the backdrop of 1981, the film captures Springsteen’s retreat to his childhood home in Colts Neck, New Jersey, after a successful tour for his album “The River.” Instead of heading back to the recording studio, Springsteen sought solitude to confront his past, ultimately leading to the creation of ten raw and introspective tracks. The film not only highlights his artistic journey but also examines the duality of Springsteen’s public persona as a global rock star and his private vulnerabilities.
In a recent interview with CNN, costume director Kasia Walicka Maimone discussed the challenges of accurately portraying Springsteen’s distinctive style. Known for his blue-collar aesthetic, Springsteen’s wardrobe has become emblematic of his identity, featuring items like leather jackets, plaid shirts, and Levi’s jeans. Maimone emphasized the importance of authenticity in the film, stating, “Bruce was pretty involved and it was amazing to spend time with him because, of course, he’s a legend.”
Maimone and her team conducted extensive preparations before collaborating with Springsteen. They analyzed his wardrobe choices, distinguishing between everyday attire and outfits used for performances or photo shoots. “We were continuously breaking through the levels of intimacy and discovering those super private moments and pieces that were significant,” she noted. Springsteen’s input was crucial in reflecting his true self on screen.
Some of the clothing worn by White in the film comes directly from Springsteen’s collection, including a vintage Triumph Motorcycles T-shirt and a cherished blue and white plaid shirt from the early 1980s. Maimone recounted, “That was one of Bruce’s beloved pieces, and it was very delicate. We knew that it might shred during filming, but Bruce felt that if the piece were to shred, that particular scene would be the most beautiful moment for it to go.”
The film also sheds light on the lasting impact of Springsteen’s style. Over his 50-year career, he has sold more than 140 million records and won 20 Grammy Awards. Patricia Mears, deputy director of The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, noted that Springsteen’s appeal lies in his authenticity. “He’s not consciously stylish, but he is authentically working class, which is where the bulk of his audience is from too,” she explained.
Springsteen’s clothing choices resonate with his fans, reflecting the working-class values that characterize much of his music. The artist’s enduring style has become synonymous with his identity, capturing the essence of his songs. Nancy Deihl, a fashion historian from New York University, pointed out that Springsteen’s workwear aesthetic was often misunderstood as being “grubby” in contrast to polished performers, but she sees it as a reflection of socio-economic realities.
As fashion continues to evolve, Springsteen’s influence remains relevant. Mears highlighted how his style paved the way for the current trend of workwear in fashion, where brands like Carhartt and Dickies are repurposed as fashionable items. “His connection to American roots and American roots music authenticated him to dress in this way,” she added.
To accurately embody Springsteen’s essence, Maimone worked closely with White, who immersed himself in the music icon’s spirit. “Jeremy was becoming… the channeler of Bruce Springsteen’s spirit,” Maimone remarked. White’s transformation into Springsteen was so profound that the actor himself acknowledged the depth of his performance, stating, “The camera picked up on those complexities, and that was essential in making the character completely believable.”
As “Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere” approaches its release, audiences can expect not only a portrayal of a musical legend but also an exploration of the man behind the music. The film promises to capture the essence of Springsteen’s journey, both as an artist and as an individual seeking authenticity and connection to his roots.
