Sunday Special: Springsteen, Dylan and the Art of the Biopic

Overview

This episode delves into the world of music biopics, focusing on the upcoming release of Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere, which explores Bruce Springsteen's creation of his 1982 album Nebraska. The discussion expands to examine the tropes, successes, and challenges of the music biopic genre, highlighting notable films, performances, and the evolving ways these stories are told.

Notable Quotes

- The bigger a fan you are and the closer you are to that artist, the more potential there is for disappointment. – Lindsay Zoladz, on the challenges of watching biopics as a devoted fan.

- Does this need to exist? Does it have any artistic value outside of the art that we already have? – Joe Coscarelli, questioning the purpose of music biopics.

- The music biopic has been around for quite a while... but it really hit this moment where we can easily rattle off the beats. – Gilbert Cruz, on the formulaic nature of the genre.

🎥 The Unique Approach of the Springsteen Biopic

- Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere focuses narrowly on the creation of Nebraska, a lo-fi, introspective album, rather than taking the traditional cradle-to-grave approach.

- Joe Coscarelli noted the film’s blend of quiet introspection and iconic Springsteen moments, including black-and-white flashbacks to his childhood and nods to his major hits.

- Lindsay Zoladz expressed cautious optimism, noting that die-hard fans might struggle with the film’s creative liberties.

🎶 The Formula of Music Biopics

- Lindsay Zoladz outlined the typical beats of a music biopic: the artist’s origins, rise to fame, struggles with success, and either a triumphant return or tragic end.

- The genre’s appeal lies in its aspirational storytelling, often showcasing artists overcoming adversity to achieve greatness.

- Joe Coscarelli highlighted the economic incentives behind these films, which often boost music sales and introduce iconic artists to new generations.

🎭 The Power of Performances in Biopics

- The success of music biopics often hinges on the lead actor’s ability to embody the artist.

- Austin Butler’s portrayal of Elvis Presley in Elvis was praised for capturing the essence of the King of Rock and Roll, despite the film’s mixed reception.

- The tension between casting actors who resemble the artist versus those who can channel their aura was explored, with Lindsay Zoladz noting that Butler’s performance succeeded because it prioritized charisma over physical resemblance.

🎨 Breaking the Biopic Mold

- Films like I’m Not There (Bob Dylan), Inside Llewyn Davis (fictionalized Greenwich Village folk scene), and Last Days (Kurt Cobain-inspired) were celebrated for their unconventional storytelling.

- Todd Haynes’ Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story, which used Barbie dolls to depict Carpenter’s struggles, was highlighted as a bold departure from traditional biopics.

- Fictionalized narratives, such as That Thing You Do! and Her Smell, offer fresh perspectives by focusing on lesser-known or composite characters.

🎤 The Future of Music Biopics

- Upcoming projects include a Michael Jackson biopic, a Britney Spears film based on her memoir, and a Joni Mitchell biopic by Cameron Crowe.

- A groundbreaking Beatles quadrilogy, with each film focusing on a different band member, is in development. The casting includes Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney and Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr.

- The panel debated the artistic value of biopics, with Joe Coscarelli noting that the genre often serves as a way to repackage and resell musical legacies.