Free me from nothing, who is Jon Landau: the analysis of Jeremy Strong who plays Bruce’s manager friend

Written and directed by Scott Cooper, Springsteen: Free me from nothing is currently playing in theaters. As we know, the film tells the genesis of the album “Nebraska”, a raw and deeply intimate record that marked a turning point in the artistic career of Bruce Springsteen in the early 1980s. Played by Jeremy Allen Whitethe character of the Boss is shown just as he himself wanted, that is, prey to a sense of bewilderment and a prisoner of ghosts of the past linked to the complicated relationship with his father.

The film also explores his relationship with longtime producer, manager, mentor, confidant and friend Jon Landaua fundamental figure in the Boss’ human and musical journey. It’s not wrong to say that the friendship between two men who redefined the authenticity of American music.

In 1974 Jon Landau he was a music critic who had sensed the extraordinary talent of Springsteen. After attending one of his concerts in Massachusetts, he wrote an article about The Real Paper in which he declared: “I have seen the future of rock ‘n’ roll and its name is Bruce Springsteen”. Shortly thereafter, he joined his team as co-producer and artistic consultant. In 1978, four years later, Landau he officially became the personal manager of Springsteenstarting a long-lasting and profound creative collaboration.

We find Jon Landau playing magnificently Jeremy Strongan actor who made his film debut in the early 2000s, appearing in films such as Lincoln Of Steven Spielberg, Zero Dark Thirty Of Kathryn Bigelow, The Big Short Of Adam McKay and which had its international consecration with the series Successionwhere he plays Kendall Roy, a role that earned him an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe. The following is our interview with Jeremy Strong.

Jeremy Strong: “You need to isolate your creative impulse and defend it at all costs”

Jeremy, having a Jon Landau having your back is priceless. Do you have a figure like hers in your life?

Many people have told me they wish they had a Jon Landau in their life. And yes, it would be lucky for anyone. I have had many teachers, guides, mentors, but not someone with the perseverance, care and devotion that Jon showed towards Bruce. They are like Lewis and Clark (the explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark led the first US expedition to reach the US Pacific coast by river in 1806, ed.). John is the Clark of Bruce’s journey, and they have been sailing together for fifty years now. What I love is how Jon represents a businessman with integrity, depth and authenticity, a rare quality in the industry. He played a vital role in Bruce’s journey. I believe each of us has a beacon to follow, but for Bruce, Jon was the brightest.

In the film, musical creation is seen as a spiritual quest. Is the manager a witness or a catalyst of this research?

Jon is not a simple witness, but not a catalyst either. He once said his job was to “fertilize the soil and then step aside.” He has the sensitivity to understand where Bruce is in his journey and help shape his vision. He is like a great editor for a writer: he does not create, but guides. He is also an architect who combines art and business, addressing both the creative and commercial sides. His role was fundamental, but he never pushed Bruce in a direction contrary to the truth. His faith in Bruce has almost a religious dimension.

Was there a moment when you felt you “found” the character?

No, I wouldn’t say so. Not even after finishing the movie. It’s always a process, and you’re constantly moving at the edges of uncertainty. You can prepare thoroughly, build the character, but when you arrive on set it’s always a leap into the void. If you have worked well, perhaps grace comes. But it’s never guaranteed.

Read also Springsteen – Free me from nothing, video interview with Jeremy Allen White and Scott Cooper: “It’s a film about a man in difficulty”

The film chronicles Bruce’s struggle to protect his authenticity from the noise of the music industry. Do you recognize yourself in this battle?

Yes a lot. I learned a lot from Bruce. He said that “the pressures of the music industry are powerless in the face of what is real”, and it is an extraordinary phrase. Even in cinema there are a lot of pressures, but like Bruce I try to plant my flag in the land of truth. We must protect what is authentic, even when it is difficult. Bruce and Jon believe that integrity and honest expression always win in the end. And I believe it too, you need to isolate your creative impulse and defend it at all costs.

Were you already a fan of Bruce Springsteen before the film? Does his music have a personal meaning for you?

Yes, absolutely. At my wedding ceremony we only played one of his songs, “If I Should Fall Behind.” For me it has great emotional value. The album “Nebraska” is one of the most important records of my life. I’ve been listening to it since I was eighteen, and I think it’s one of the best albums ever made. I didn’t know the history of its recording, nor the relationship with Jon, but it struck me that the genesis of “Nebraska” is also a search for authenticity and integrity in a world that often doesn’t celebrate these values.

The scene where your character hears “Born in the USA” for the first time in the studio is a very powerful moment.

And it is because we shot at the Power Station in New York, the same studio where Bruce and the E Street Band recorded the album. Many other great artists also recorded there: the atmosphere was almost sacred. I had talked a lot with Jon Landau and Jimmy Iovine, who was a sound engineer at the time. Everyone remembers that moment as a bolt from the blue. They immediately knew they had captured something extraordinary, it was a creative electric shock. That scene was difficult because I had to react as if it were the first time, even after many listens. But Bruce’s music has this power: it always hits you like the first time. Even today, when I hear the first notes, I feel the same emotion. Last summer I went to the San Siro and 80,000 people, hearing the first notes of “Born in the USA”, were instantly fired up.

At 76, Bruce Springsteen goes on tour and performs as if time had never passed for him. Where do you find this strength?

Bruce said that the intensity of what you experience on stage is proportional to the void you lean into. Every time, therefore, it’s like diving into the unknown. It requires courage, the courage to give everything. And Bruce does it every time. He goes on stage, plays for four hours, without breaks, giving everything he has. It is this generosity, this total dedication, that I will carry with me forever.

Below the Trailer for Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nothingcurrently in cinemas distributed by Walt Disney Company Italia.