A new film, “Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere,” showcases the life of iconic musician Bruce Springsteen during a pivotal period in his career. Directed by Scott Cooper, the biopic stars Jeremy Allen White as Springsteen and Jeremy Strong as his longtime manager, Jon Landau.
The story unfolds in the autumn of 1981, shortly after Springsteen completed a highly successful tour for his album “The River.” Instead of immediately returning to the studio, Springsteen chose to retreat to a quiet home in Colts Neck, New Jersey, to recuperate. During this time, he confronted personal struggles, including childhood trauma and depression, ultimately leading to the creation of his seminal lo-fi album “Nebraska.” The film explores these themes, focusing on Springsteen’s dual existence as a global rock icon and a man searching for authenticity and connection to his working-class roots.
Costuming Choices Reflect Personal Stories
Costume director Kasia Walicka Maimone, known for her work in “The Gilded Age” and “Moonrise Kingdom,” emphasized the importance of Springsteen’s wardrobe in the film. She described the extensive preparation that went into their collaboration with the musician, stating, “Bruce was pretty involved, and it was amazing to spend time with him because, of course, he’s a legend. The way he can communicate emotion and tell stories that resonate is, to me, like religion.”
Springsteen’s clothing choices, characterized by blue-collar essentials such as Levi’s jeans, leather jackets, and plaid shirts, were integral to capturing his essence on screen. Maimone noted that while Springsteen was well-documented during this period, there were specific pieces he cherished more than others. Some of these garments, including a Triumph Motorcycles T-shirt and a blue-and-white plaid shirt from the early 1980s, were borrowed from Springsteen’s actual collection for the film.
Maimone recalled, “We knew that it might shred during filming, not least because Jeremy Allen White and Bruce Springsteen are not the same size. But we all wanted so much to use it in an emotional scene with Bruce and his father.”
The Cultural Impact of Springsteen’s Style
Springsteen’s enduring style has become synonymous with his identity as an artist. Over a career spanning more than five decades, he has sold over 140 million records and won 20 Grammy Awards, all while maintaining a wardrobe that resonates with fans. Patricia Mears, deputy director at The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, highlighted the accessibility of Springsteen’s aesthetic: “He’s not consciously stylish, but he is authentically working class, which is where the bulk of his audience is from too.”
His clothing choices reflect more than just personal taste; they embody a political stance and a connection to his roots. Mears pointed out how Springsteen’s look, often featuring faded denim and a red, white, and blue theme, aligns with his support for workers’ rights while appealing to a diverse fan base.
Nancy Deihl, a fashion historian, remarked on how Springsteen’s style diverged from polished performers of his time. She noted, “The parents all said Bruce Springsteen’s clothes made him look so grubby,” highlighting the generational gap in perceptions of his workwear aesthetic.
Maimone underscored the importance of portraying Springsteen’s unique way of wearing clothes in the film. “He wore utilitarian workwear pieces in a very specific way,” she explained, emphasizing the confidence and charisma he brings to his wardrobe.
In the production, White immersed himself in Springsteen’s spirit, referencing vintage pieces and insights from the musician himself. Maimone described White’s transformation as he channeled Springsteen: “He did it so beautifully, and it translated to the way he wore those pieces.”
Springsteen himself acknowledged White’s portrayal, stating, “Jeremy didn’t try to do any sort of impression. He simply inhabited my inner life.” The film aims to capture not just the music legend’s story but the complexities that have defined his enduring legacy.
As “Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere” prepares for its release, it not only highlights the artist’s personal journey but also serves as a reminder of the cultural and emotional connections forged through his music and style.
