Bruce Springsteen is an American legend. He’s sort of like the musical equivalent of John Wayne or Clint Eastwood, a strong presence who delivers a quintessential view of the United States.
Now the rock icon is attached to two very different films, offering his services as not only a singer/songwriter but possibly also as an actor. “The Boss” has written and recorded a song for Darren Aronofsky’s The Wrestler while Judd Apatow has offered him a role in his forthcoming film Funny People.
So where did this cinematic love of Springsteen come from?
Simple answer – it has always been there.
Springsteen has always been a huge cinephile, and many of his songs and albums have been inspired by movies. His 1995 album The Ghost of Tom Joad was inspired not only by John Steinbeck’s novel The Grapes of Wrath, but also by John Ford’s film of the same name. His haunting track Atlantic City was also based on Louis Malles’ film of the same name – with certain lyrics lifted directly from the screenplay. His iconic 1984 album Born in the USA was based on a script by Taxi Driver’s Paul Schrader, However Schrader made the film under the title Light of Day starring Michael J. Fox, and the title track was written and performed by Springsteen.
“The Boss” also wrote and received Oscar’s for his soundtrack work on Philadelphia and Dead Man Walking, while his songs were also the basis for the Peter Bogdonovich film Mask. However, copyright issues led to his recordings being dropped from the the Cher starring film, only to be replaced by “Springsteen light” Bob Seger. Also, don’t forget Springsteen’s wonderful cameo in John Cusack’s music inspired Rom-Com High Fidelity, a film based on Nick Hornby’s outstanding book.
Of Springsteen’s song for The Wrestler Aronofsky wrote in his blog:
“Bruce Springsteen wrote a beautiful original song for the closing the film. Called The Wrestler it is a wonderful acoustic piece. Makes me choke up every time I hear it. he really captured the spirit of the film and Mickey’s character in the piece”.
While Springsteen hasn’t accepted Apatow’s offer, let’s cross our fingers. You can never have enough Springsteen in your life.
Sources: CHUD and Darren Aronofsky
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Very interesting, I didn’t know Springsteen had an album based on one of my favorite books. I’ll definitely have to check that out.
Is that how you spell his name? Damn, does that mean I’ve been misspelling it all this time? Anyway, if he’s going to be making a movie, most likely it’ll have some political message in it. That’s what all of his recent tours have been about… So I’ll skip whatever he’s working on… Unless I’m wrong and he just acts in movies that have no political agenda, then I’ll take a gander.:-)
Luis Buñuel directing Atlantic City? Now THERE’S something I’d like to see!!! Perhaps Burt Lancaster could slice open Susan Sarandon’s eyeball with a razorblade!! Un Chien Atlantiqueville anyone? But I keed. Atlantic City was directed by Ms. Sarandon’s then paramour Louis Malle. Just sayin’.