Background

In November 2012 Walsh, together with producer Ridley Scott via the manufacturing firms Ridley Scott Associates, Black Canine Movies and Scott Free Productions^[3] introduced their plans for the making of the documentary, which Walsh mentioned impressed by the award-winning movie Life in a Day. Walsh solely used fan submitted video and pictures the place followers offered their most private insights, abstractions and reflections on how Springsteen and his music has affected their lives.

Walsh said, “We’re trying to find all kinds of inventive interpretations, captured in probably the most visually thrilling means you’ll be able to consider, whether or not you’ve got been a hardcore Tramp since ’73 or have heard considered one of his songs for the primary time at this time! When you’ve got a dad or mum, a sibling, a neighbor or a colleague who has an fascinating story, we need to find out about them. If you cannot use a digital camera or should not certain methods to seize your story then get in contact and we are going to hyperlink you up with somebody who can!”

The manufacturing workforce edited the footage to characteristic size and are requested that submissions be uncooked footage somewhat than edited materials. In addition to transferring picture accounts on digital camera, the filmmakers requested followers to supply images, outdated footage or audio narration to assist them construct up an image of what the acclaimed songwriter and musician means to them. Film and picture information have been in a position to be shortly uploaded via the movie’s web site springsteenandi.com by following easy on-line directions. Ideally, the upper high quality the footage the higher, however the producers confused that any tools, from smartphones to hi-def cameras are accepted – so long as they’re all below 5 minutes in size. The documentary options unseen reside performances and a few of Springsteen’s most beloved songs. Submissions for the movie have been accepted from November 15, 2012 via November 29, 2012. Walsh then edited the footage collectively for the movie’s 2013 launch.

Walsh mentioned of the movie that he went via over 300 hours of footage, watching all the things that was despatched to him. “I felt very a lot a duty to take action. Huge effort went into [filming those submissions] from 1000’s of individuals. I used to be apprehensive that we have been going to get 4,000 hours, that will have been an actual downside. 300 hours was manageable. Day by day we noticed one thing new. Day by day was thrilling.” Walsh mentioned. Walsh spent six months enhancing the movie and whereas there is definitely a number of love for Bruce within the documentary, there have been some issues that he steered away from. “There have been tales about how beneficiant he’s, stuff about 9/11, and he comes off a bit god-like, and I didn’t really feel comfy with these tales. I believe this movie doesn’t construct Bruce to be a god. There’s an undercurrent that he’s a really first rate man, and that does come throughout within the tales which can be informed. It’s simply very heartfelt tales of individuals speaking about how Bruce and his music has affected their lives. One man from Israel says, ‘Bruce taught me methods to be a person — a good man.’ That is who Bruce is. I actually tried to not make it heavy-handed. I did not come to the movie as a Bruce Springsteen fan. I am leaving it as an amazing admirer. I believe his profession is astonishing. I believe the truth that he is nonetheless producing related music — the truth that [in 2012 he released] Wrecking Ball on the age of 60, that is an incredible achievement.” Walsh mentioned that Springsteen noticed the movie and actually loved the humor in it. The folks within the movie have been actually eloquent. His administration knowledgeable Walsh that Springsteen actually loved the movie.^[4]

An interactive poster for the movie was launched on June 7, 2013 that includes the pictures of over 350 followers.

Launch

The movie was launched on July 22, 2013 concurrently by way of a worldwide cinema broadcast in over 50 international locations and in over 2000 film theaters. A trailer was launched on Could 23, 2013.^[5] whereas an prolonged trailer was launched in July 2013. Tickets for the movie went on sale internationally on June 7, 2013 whereas tickets for the US went on sale June 14, 2013.

Springsteen & I made its tv debut October 25, 2013 on Showtime^[6] and was launched on DVD and Blu-Ray on October 29, 2013.^[7]

Bonus theatrical footage

Following the movie’s credit, followers who attended the theatrical launch have been be handled to a particular six-song, 45-minute reside efficiency from Springsteen’s set on the 2012 “Onerous Rock Calling” competition which featured Paul McCartney. Following the reside footage there was an epilogue that includes among the movie’s extra stand-out followers who have been in a position to give an replace on their lives and who have been fortunate sufficient to satisfy Springsteen backstage after considered one of his reveals. The bonus footage was included within the DVD and Blu-ray launch.

Reception

Important opinions for the movie have been largely optimistic. Randy Lewis of the Los Angeles Occasions mentioned “When followers describe the fervour of his performances or the connection of his music and lyrics to episodes of their lives, it is clearly heartfelt, however not considerably completely different than what followers of Bon Jovi or Billy Joel or Justin Bieber may say about their favourite artists. If Springsteen and I would not conclusively reply the query of what distinguishes him from the 1000’s of others who’ve traveled the trail of rock ‘n’ roll earlier than and since he got here alongside, it does give the devoted, and even the curious, so much to bond over.”^[8] Austin O’Connor of AARP known as the movie “A love letter to The Boss” and that “Even the most important Springsteen hater may be transformed to one of many devoted. […] It is a quirky little movie, at turns charming and creepy however finally redeeming, about people who find themselves extraordinarily dedicated to the 63-year-old rock star.” O’Connor additionally mentioned the movie’s flaws by saying “However there are missteps. A few of the glorified YouTube movies appear to straddle the road between fan and stalker. One lady who sits far too near her webcam gushes so rapturously about Springsteen’s results on her you marvel if a restraining order may be required. One other man speaking about Springsteen whereas driving his automotive all of the sudden breaks down in tears.”^[9]