We watched the Springsteen documentary last night, EEE, and were impressed with the behind-the-scenes footage and commentary, the inspired performances, the reminiscing about the early E Street years, and especially the heartfelt sharing of fans the world over. Springsteen is part secular saint and America's goodwill ambassador. My wife and I were talking about how Bruce really is unique in music for the intense emotional connection he has sustained with his fans for the last 5 decades. When he finally departs the stage, I'm positive that the outpouring of sympathy and love will be a tidal wave, felt here of course, and equally intensely in Europe, especially Barcelona where the adoration is off-the-charts.
I fell for Bruce just before Born To Run arrived. I remember my brother discovered him around 73 or 74 and I'd hear those cinematic narratives blasting out from behind his closed bedroom door. It's hard to overstate how much those first four albums mean to me. I think I've seen Bruce 41 times, and those early shows, from the 70s, were life-changing. It was more than the music, more than the manic physicality of the man, it was the sense of community, the sense that everything was possible, and I think, to be honest, he offered a view of a strong, yet sensitive masculinity that I had never before witnessed. I've written it before here but I really haven't connected with much of his music since, er, the 80s. I don't know if it's because he just didn't put in the studio time that he used to (and I can't blame him for that), or perhaps the inspirational well just runs dry eventually. Still, he'll always share a spot at the top of my musical hero mountain with Joe Strummer.
Today, we saw The Apprentice which focuses on young Donald Trump's relationship with the truly sinister, Roy Cohn. Jeremy Strong was mesmerizing as Cohn, holy shit, it was an extraordinary performance! Sebastian Stan, as the young Trump, was very good, and it offered insight into their intense, evolving relationship that I hadn't read about. It was an incredibly entertaining film, and one that confirms everything his detractors hate about him while simultaneously warming the hearts of his cult. Honestly, I don't think anyone's vote will change after watching it.
Lastly, we've been watching a documentary on Hulu called Social Studies. I can't say that I recommend it but it's a car wreck of an experience as you witness Los Angeles high schoolers helplessly shackled to their phones and social media. All too often, they are seen indulging in dangerous behaviors, inane talk and texting, marinating in the most superficial and toxic relationships, all the while avoiding their educations! The opportunity cost is massive, incredibly consequential, and I'm left wondering if this is representative of what? America? The world? So many parents are incapable of raising their children, especially with the technological minefields that have been laid over the last 10-15 years, not to mention new social pressures. I'm thinking the Amish may have it right! This documentary, falling on the heels of my reading Jonathan Haidt's meticulously researched, flashing red warning light of a book, The Anxious Generation: How The Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness, worry the hell out of me!
Peter T.
