'Springsteen and I' - Movie Review

You have to give it to The Boss, he sure knows how to put on a show. And in Springsteen and I some die hard fans - and one disgruntled husband of a die hard - also got to put on a show. 

I expected Springsteen and I to tell Bruce Springsteen's story in that cliche, biographical rock-doco fashion. You know what I'm talking about - the rags to riches story of an artist who started out on the mean streets, yet still managed to find success. But in a way which is typical of Bruce, the film is more about the fans and the idea of brotherhood, than ego and rock 'n' roll success. And rather than just telling the story of Springsteen's success, director Baillie Walsh sought to use fans to explain what Springsteen's music has meant in their lives.

Thousands of fans, from all around the world, sent in homemade videos explaining - in three words -  what Springsteen's music has meant to them. The film only used a few dozen entries (you can find many more entries on the film's interactive website) but they are superbly complimented with live footage from concerts, dating all the way back to 1975. This was a real master stroke, as many of the stories told - including stories of being able to meet and sometimes sing with Bruce onstage - were backed up with concert footage. It was a true joy to be able to connect with Bruce and the fans.

 

 Some of this concert is shown after the credits in Springsteen and I.

Director Baillie Walsh is no newcomer to the rock/doco game. In 2004 he directed the Best of INXS film, before making the acclaimed behind-the-scenes documentary of Oasis's 2005-2006 world tour, Lord Don't Slow Me Down. Yet what will separate this Springsteen project from the pack is the director's creative - and humble - decision to allow the fans to tell the story. So if you are wanting to hear Springsteen recollect, this isn't for you. There aren't any Springsteen interviews included in the film, and Bruce's only lines come from footage of past concerts.

This Danish busker told a fantastic story about how he once saw Springsteen on the street and asked Bruce if he'd come over and play a song with him. Springsteen ended up playing a 15 minute set with the bloke.

Hollywood Reporter film critic, John Defore, commented on the film, 

Springsteen and I gathers these homemade tributes into an effusive feature that will resonate with the kind of die-hard Boss fans who helped make it, but quickly grows tiresome for the less devout among us.

And in a weird way, I tend to agree with John. The film wasn't tiresome for a Springsteen fan, but I can understand how someone who hasn't been inspired by Springsteen's music might feel that way. At the end of the day though, you'd have to be a pretty selfish putz not to be moved by this film. The sincerity and passion of the fans, in retelling their experiences and thoughts, makes the 77 minutes fly by. 

"The Philly Elvis" is a sight to be seen in the film! It's quite amazing how Springsteen and the band have asked so many fans to become apart of their shows.

Like a Springsteen concert, there's no guessing when this film will end. There's an encore after the credits - 45 minutes worth of footage from the band's 2012 tour in London - which is so superb that it scoffs at the recent Magneto and Professor X feature after the credits of The Wolverine.  

Springsteen and I is quirky and at times odd, but seeing as I've been listening to Springsteen since I was cooking in my Mum's belly, I found it thoroughly enjoyable... and I didn't want it to end. 

9/10