Unveiling the Influence of Music: A Study on its Capacity to Overcome Barriers of Race and Faith
In the heart of 1980s Luton, a British Muslim boy named Javed finds solace in an unexpected source – the music of Bruce Springsteen. This compelling narrative forms the basis of the film 'Blinded By The Light', developed from Gurinder Chadha and Sarfraz Manzoor's shared passion for the iconic artist and inspired by Manzoor's memoir, Greetings from Bury Park.
The film's title, a nod to the opening track of Springsteen's debut album, Greetings From Asbury Park, NJ (1973), sets the stage for a journey that resonates deeply with Javed. Roops, a friend, slips a Springsteen cassette into Javed's bag, igniting a spark that transforms his life.
As the story unfolds, Springsteen's lyrics are seamlessly integrated into the narrative, driving the progression of the plot. Songs like 'Blinded By The Light', 'Promised Land', and 'Dancing in the Dark' offer poignant moments of insight and inspiration for Javed, who, at a low point in his life, having been attacked by skinheads and with his father having lost his job, is in desperate need of hope.
The filmmakers, including Chadha, Manzoor, and Paul Mayeda Berges, worked tirelessly to adapt the memoir into a screenplay, ensuring that the songs felt organic and authentic. They chose not to employ any professional singers or dancers in their cast, opting instead for a cast that mirrored the raw, unpolished spirit of the era.
The film's narrative unfolds in 1987, but the filmmakers only use some references and the hair to indicate the time period. Projections of storms from archive footage are used in a scene, with Springsteen's words having resonance for Javed as he walks past them. Another scene features wind machines, bursts of electricity, and lightning during a highly dramatic moment when Javed listens to the Springsteen track 'Dancing in the Dark'.
Tracy Nurse, Bruce Springsteen's long-time marketing and PR consultant, was brought on to ensure Springsteen and his management team were kept informed of the creative process. Chadha read Manzoor's book and loved it, and they received Springsteen's blessing to turn the memoir into a film.
'Blinded By The Light' explores themes of young people trying to find their path when the economy isn't as strong as it could be, and the way young people have to challenge society's expectations of them. The filmmakers believe these themes have great parallels with today.
However, there is no available information indicating that Tracy Nurse played any role in the creation of the film.
Despite the songs being written in the 70s and 80s, they remain timeless and the filmmakers believe the piece feels contemporary. 'Blinded By The Light' is a testament to the power of music and friendship, offering a heartwarming and inspiring tale that resonates with audiences today.
