Western Stars

source: Western Stars

Previously not a fan, but now I get it! This was a very engaging documentary/concert. I had not realized Bruce was such a philosopher and poet. His narration was wonderful and really set up his songs to make them more meaningful. Be sure to stay through all the credits to the supplemental footage at the end.

Wonderful film from Bruce, the storyteller. Audio and visual production and the musicians all come together for a every enjoyable journey with voice over by Bruce.. A must see film that shares Bruce's new songs performed live to film. You don't even have to be a fan but just sit back and enjoy..

I saw "Western Stars", starring Bruce Springsteen. This is a documentary-actually, a promotional commercial-of Bruce Springsteen's new album called 'Western Stars'. First of all, let me say that I am not a Bruce Springsteen fan. He has a few songs that I like but the majority of his music is just not my type. However, my wife really likes him and that was the main reason I went to see it. But, I think she was under the impression that Bruce would be doing a greatest hits concert or something-boy, was she disappointed. He does do a cover song near the end but it is a country song by Glen Campbell. In between each song, Bruce talks about how he came to write the songs. He performs them in a barn that he owns on a ranch-he said that it has good acoustics-where he is living the cowboy life. He even walks around wearing a cowboy hat and riding horses, so he must be a real cowboy. There is also some old footage of Bruce's life growing up-before he became a cowboy-that is sometimes shown between the songs. I guess if you are a big fan of Bruce's music, you might like it more than I did, but even my wife-I mentioned that she is a big fan-did not enjoy it that much. She thought it was boring and there were only a few songs that she liked-one was the Glen Campbell one. It's rated "PG" for use of alcohol, smoking and language and has a running time of 1 hour & 23 minutes. It's not one that I would buy on DVD. I wouldn't rent it either. Unless you are a dedicated fan, I would wait until it hits cable.

Instead of touring his latest album, Bruce Springsteen made this movie of its contents. It was mostly recorded in his century-old barn, with a 30-piece orchestra, some new vocal arrangements by Patti Scialfa, and an audience of a few friends and the horses in the stables below. Each song is introduced by Bruce, often as a voiceover as various images play, some of which are Bruce's archival photos or home movie clips. The lynchpin song is Western Stars, about an old cowboy still going on, when many of his contemporaries have left their boots (a song likely to be self-referential, given his approaching 70th birthday). I saw this film at the Toronto International Film Festival, but not at the premium-priced world premiere, so Bruce had already left, leaving fellow director Thom Zimmy to answer questions. Bruce's directorial contributions included writing and producing the song introductions, and co-selecting the archival material to include. The intros make it feel that this album is a collection of poems set to music. With songs about cars, trains, heartbreak, and love, I wonder if someone will do a full country re-creation of the material. The film ends with a bonus song (that fits the overall theme), which is more upbeat than Moonlight Motel. Even being only casually acquainted with Bruce's music, I found this film fascinating. It is probably a must-see for actual fans, especially those who have already memorized the lyrics. It is expected to open commercially October 25.

Naw, this one misses on all cylinders. Bruce has always played this "everyman" in his music and persona but the truth is he never worked a hard day in his life. Has never seen the inside of a mill or machine assembly line except for his music videos. He is a fraud. This movie sells him as a country boy. Again -- laughable. do some research. ANother liberal wanting to be seen as something they are not. And the music is morose and boring. When the most exciting thing about a movie are the cameos and guest singers, it fails.

Beautifully filmed and beautiful music by Bruce. Probably only for the Bruce fam who was already familiar with his recent works. No politics in the film which is very refreshing for the Bruce fan like myself who is tired of his bloviating. Well done!

Western Stars is an emotional and intimate collection of songs. The songs are all excellent and performed beautifully by Bruce Springsteen himself. It's well paced and Bruce Springsteen and Thom Zimny's direction is incredible as the film is extremely well filmed and visually stunning in parts. Bruce is also an excellent storyteller.

When a once entertaining rocker becomes a pretentious self absorbed poser. Ditch the cowboy hat, Boss. The Ronstadt documentary was indeed a more tuneful revelatory musical ride - honest, informative Boomer pleasure.

Despite what a few bitter sadly misinformed right wingers like iamjamalwhite might try to say; this is a side of Springsteen I haven't always enjoyed but in this personal Opus he climbs the Country/Western Mountain without sacrificing his essential self. You won't find any E Street here but Patti Scialfa shows up and the essence that has made Springsteen exceed his peers by decades now shows up in spades. To those who can't separate their low brow politics from Artistic Appreciation I feel sorry for them. I don't care much for Clint Eastwood's politics but I never let it stop me from enjoying his Producing/Direction/Acting. Springsteen stands up for he feels is fair and the way most of his audience would think. You won't find much of that in this intimate look at his Western side; just remember most of the "West" filmed in this was a horse barn in South Jersey!