Western Stars (2019) User Reviews

A very good concert album with introductions

[chong_an · 9/10 · 15 September 2019]

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.

Almost PERFECT!

[barbarapochan · 9/10 · 27 October 2019]

I was not a huge fan of Bruce Springsteen, until I saw this film! Gorgeous photography, incredible setting in an old barn, fabulous songs, accompanied by beautiful strings & even an accordion! Writing, directing , & performing in this film was labor of love for Springsteen. He bridged his performances with thoughtful insights into what each song meant to him. Well chosen archival video so interesting & fun. The young cute Springsteen has become a handsome man of substance both musically & otherwise. And I loved every minute of it.

Pure delight

[alansargeant · 9/10 · 13 October 2019]

I am a huge Springsteen fan so this may not be the most subjective review. It's not the routine "in concert" recording, this is a beautiful piece of story telling that provides insight not just into the characters in the songs but into Bruce as well. It gives a whole new depth to the album and as a piece of cinema, well, just sit back and let Bruce work his magic on you. I dare you not to feel something....

Thirteen beautiful stories

[mikef419 · 10/10 · 20 October 2019]

This was a beautiful movie. Bruce takes us into his thoughts and motivations behind the writing and symbolism of Western Stars. The scenery was gorgeous and the musical arrangements were stunning.

Wonderful

[kbarnett-166-957505 · 10/10 · 20 October 2019]

The music, the narration, and the cinematography were all simply gorgeous. Springsteen hit this one out of the park.

a well filmed and nicely packed concert of Bruce Springsteen

[dromasca · 7/10 · 24 January 2020]

Bruce Springsteen now has behind him over half a century of career, but he looks fantastic, he is in full physical and vocal form - the fact that he has always played in low tones and a little rough, helps him at this age. His 19th album, 'Western Stars' is accompanied by a concert filmed in a former barn on one of his farms, but Springsteen (who is also a co-director) intended more than just to produce a filmed concert. Each song is prefaced by an explanation or story that clarifies the music and the text, and presents the context of what we are about to hear. In addition, he inserts between songs filmed sequences, some archive clips documenting Springsteen's life, others landscapes of the agricultural or wild American nature, a little bit in the style of the Marlboro commercials from 40-50 years ago (including many horses). Springsteen talks about his life, about his loves and separations, about cars and horses, about America's plains and metropolises, and especially about the people who populate them.

His music is closer today to folk than to rock. For this record and for the filmed concert, Springsteen brought his orchestra with string instruments to his usual musicians (first of all guitarist and singer Patti Scialfa, his close collaborator and since 1991 his wife). I do not like the combination of folk and violins, nor does it work very well here, in my opinion, except for 2-3 songs, with a touch closer to pop-rock. But there are many others viewers, I suspect, that will be delighted. The concert is very well filmed, the spoken part adds, but without containing too many deep sayings, the filmed interludes seemed commercial and looking for easy aesthetics. I can bet that many of Bruce Springsteen's fans will enjoy this movie and overwhelm it with superlatives. We, the others, can enjoy a well-filmed concert, and we can also find out a few more things about a singer who still remains after this movie, outside of my list of favorite musicians.

Previously not a fan, but now I get it!

[PokeyNan7 · 8/10 · 3 November 2019]

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.

Orchestrations are too big for the songs intimacy

[zenergyglenn-01681 · 7/10 · 18 January 2020]

My issue with the movie is that he's taken his artistry and trying to "orchestrate" it and it doesn't work. The songs would be better re-arranged with the E-Street Band rather than a 30-piece orchestra.

The movie tries to tell a story through the narration and lyrics, but it gets lost in the orchestrated arrangements.

Intimate and emotional

[masonsaul · 9/10 · 28 December 2019]

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.

Western Stars (2019) - 5.9

[Bonnell7 · 23 October 2019]

Western Stars (2019) - 5.9

Act 1 - 6.2

Act 2 - 5.6

Act 3 - 6.0

Great asthetic in the barn

Orchestra is great

I like about half of the songs and he still sounds good

In between song explanations sound pretty pretentious

Just feels like it could have been your average band dvd of a concert

He is from New Jersey but is now playing cowboy

Orchestra adds an epic feel to the songs

Cinematic stuff feels like it could be stock footage

Good music performance but everything else is very basic

Gorgeous orchestral score makes this worth seeing

[Goldeninla · 7/10 · 27 October 2019]

The sound of this film is what will stick with you. We saw it in a Dolby theatre and with the really accomplished orchestra backing Bruce and Patti, the music is grand, symphonic and just spectacular. Most of the talking is actually done after the main film, which was followed by a mini-documentary about the making of it. If you really want to know about Bruce, then you have to watch the recording of his Broadway show. This film is more like small thematic clips surrounding the songs, which were all recorded live in his barn and are nothing like his rock 'n roll. It's thoughtful, introspective, and almost reverential. I'm not quite sure it works as a film, but it sure is nice to listen to.

Beautiful music beautifully performed and filmed

[dubzau · 10/10 · 9 December 2019]

Why would someone who hates Bruce Springsteen watch a film of Springsteen performing folk/country songs in a barn with an orchestra and telling stories in between, AND THEN go to the trouble of leaving a review basically saying he hates and has always hated Bruce Springsteen? And yet that's what a lot of people seem to have done, which has brought down the rating of this film, and added absolutely no value to the likely target audience. There should be no surprises here. The film is exactly what it says it is. I listened to the album and was in two minds, but the performance brought it to life for me and the stories and wonderful cinematography provided important context. I'm not sure how I feel about Springsteen anymore, especially his politics but also some of his music has left me underwhelmed, but if you have ever loved the Boss - unless your love begins and ends with Born In The USA - then maybe you'll love this film, as I did. If you hate him, everything he stands for, every song he has ever recorded and especially the music on this album, then give it a miss, don't waste your time or anyone else's.

Disappointing slog of a film.

[lauelxo · 4/10 · 25 November 2019]

No mojo here. Talk about trying to hard to seem sincere.

LOVED IT!

[tshape · 10/10 · 27 October 2019]

The very 1st song brought tears of joy - I was so moved! I loved the relatable, heartfelt stories & history of the barn. What a great compilation. I can't remember ever leaving the movies with such an overwhelming feeling of inspiration, like I felt today. Thanks ladies & gentlemen! And thank you Bruce for all the music you've blessed us with over the years. I've been a fan since the beginning, but you've truly found your calling with this style of music. Wow.

Solid 10

[vkaply · 10/10 · 25 October 2019]

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..

A Vintage Artist Takes On The Present While Looking at the Past!

[jeffgerbino · 10/10 · 23 October 2019]

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!

Could've been much more than it was

[ramonapopa2000 · 8/10 · 13 January 2020]

Compared to the irish counterpart The Seeger Sessions (which was just a concert and not a movie), this one lacks soul and feel. It's beautifully engineered, both imaging and song wise, yet it feels weird and awkward, like something is missing. I can't put my finger on it, yet it's there. Maybe the lack of some really good songs/covers like Seeger Sessions had, can't say. But it's there.

more than The Boss

[Kirpianuscus · 31 January 2021]

A documentary about Bruce Springfield. A good one. And more. This more, I suppose, it is the most important aspect because it says a different story to each viewer. Not chronicle of a career but honest portrait of a life. And good support / kick to reflect about life meanings because its basic virtue is a delicate - precise generosity , giving the chance to every viewer to recognize crumbs of his life. .

"Western Stars" is a gorgeous and poetic musical doc.

[SnobReviews · 9/10 · 29 October 2019]

"Western Stars" is beautifully shot, incredibly poetic and grabs your attention from start to finish. . In this documentary, Bruce Springsteen performs songs from his latest album and dives deep into how these songs came to be. . Walking into "Western Stars" I didn't know what to expect, but as soon as the film began, my eyes could not leave the screen. In the moments of silence, you could hear a pin drop in the movie theatre but when the musical performances rocked the screen, you felt like you were in that barn with the Boss. I love that this doc was made to play loud and that aspect was a nice touch. Director Thom Zimny and Springsteen's approach to "Western Stars" feels dream-like to the point where once it's over, you sit in your seat and you need to soak it all in. A great, great film.

The shortest Springsteen concert you will ever see

[FilmFlowCritics · 5/10 · 13 October 2019]

This is no movie review! (The BOSS - "MTV Unplugged style")

I would never have expected to write an album review on IMDB, but this "movie" is basically a live unplugged concert with a beautiful orchestra in Bruce Springsteens barn, accompanied with a few BEAUTIFUL shots, with mainly Bruce in the dessert, in his car or with his horse. Stunning cinematography and an orgasm for every SPRINGSTEEN fan, but as a normal viewer, I have to say that I maybe liked 2, 3 songs and then this is what it comes down to. The transition shots and "introduction cards" to each song where well written by the Boss himself and felt dear. The intimate atmosphere in the barn works well to transport the feeling towards the audience in the cinema, this movie ist BEST experienced in a cinema, with a great sound system!

Well done...

[coriron-09679 · 8/10 · 28 October 2019]

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!

An Artist Truth

[rocketcybergal · 10/10 · 12 November 2019]

This was a phenomenal movie. Heart felt, true insight and amazing new chapter of music for the BOSS... this movie is another epitome of an artist struggle and shows that from the hardship of life can come beautiful touching art that reflects and relates to everyone's life either directly or indirectly by others we have known.

A Great Way to hear a new album.

[subxerogravity · 8/10 · 29 October 2019]

Earlier this year I tried to get to know Bruce Springsteen a little better by listening to his greatest albums, and I discovered something: I don't like Bruce Springsteen. It's funny cause I grew up during Springsteen's most successful album, Born in the USA and I feel very unamerican saying I did not realize I was not feeling the hype. That's why I came to see this movie. I need the Boss to change my mind, and what I've always known about myself is I like to hear the music live and considering how I feel about the Boss' stuff, this is the closest I would ever come to hearing him live. Can't say that it fully changed my mind but I will say I definitely herd some songs that I would not mind hearing again. I guess that's how an icon like Bruce Springsteen does ya. Someone whose been on top of the game as long as he has, there had to be something I would gravitate towards. Anyway, as a movie this is a powerful one. Weather I liked Springsteen or not I'm a lover of documentaries about music and this was a great documentary about music, about Springsteen, whose spoken word I felt was more magical than his lyrics. I'm sure he has plenty of songs that are as poetic as what he was just saying. In fact the title song Western Stars is one of those songs. I think another was joe's cafe (not sure if that's the actual title), which is also on this album. It's beautifully shot. I loved the atmosphere of the Barn ( it helps that Springsteen himself narrates the images when we are first introduced to it). I'm in a theatre filled with people but I did feel like I was there with Springsteen in this barn as part of that experience. I don't feel like I leaned more about the Boss, or rather I was expecting to hear a history of Springsteen but the film focuses only on what he was feeling when making this album which for me is enough to know about him. Well I barely like Springsteen's music and I love this flick so if you're a fan you'll flip over it.

A brilliant, moving and beautiful movie!

[ndavelu · 9/10 · 1 December 2019]

I love Bruce Springsteen's new album. "Western Stars" is maybe somewhat singular in Springsteen's career, because it's not a rock n' roll album, but it's not a surprise for those who loved his album "We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions", released in 2006. In the same way as the Boss had made an incursion into folk music, adapting and performing traditional songs for "The Seeger Sessions", he decided to make a record that is not a rock n' roll album and that is widely open to other genres, including country music. Directed by Bruce Springsteen and Thom Zimny, it was filmed in an old barn of New Jersey, that belongs to the artist, and in Californian desert. While the concert takes places in the upper part of the barn, the desert is where the artist is putting into words his thouhts while travelling by car or being with his horse. In the barn, Bruce Springsteen performs all the songs of his new album, accompanied by more than 30 musicians and by his wife, Patti Scialfa. We can listen to a lot of fiddle, in all the songs, but also piano, accordion for the catchy "Sleepy Joe's cafe", and pedal steel for several songs, particularly "Western Stars" and for the beautiful "Chasin' Wild Horses". We have a moving performance of "There Goes My Miracle" and also an amazing cover of "Rhinestone Cowboy" (the song was not included in the album). If Bruce Springsteen showed his love for folk songs with "The Seeger Sessions", "Western Stars" is undoubtedly the most important path that made the Boss towards country music. The Californian part is also very interesting. Bruce Springsteen explains the making of "Western Stars" and details the songwriting and the meaning of each song. He talks about his life, his career, his fears, what makes him happy and about the most important: the miracle of love. In the middle of the desert, with beautiful landscape perfectly filmed, he also talks about his country and gives his vision of both sides of America: the individual freedom and the importance of the community and of the family. Western Stars is a brilliant and beautiful movie!

Unique and nostalgic

[madtreibers · 10/10 · 23 December 2019]

Grab your seat in the barn and enjoy. Bruce and Patti set the tone but the orchestra, band, and backup singers steal the show. it will give me a whole new perspective while listening to this album.