Watch Western Stars

Western Stars is a 2019 musical film, directed by Thom Zimny and Bruce Springsteen, that features Bruce Springsteen performing the entirety of his latest album of the same name at a barn on his New Jersey property. The film is visually stunning, with breathtaking shots of the surrounding countryside as the backdrop for the concert. The album and concert were inspired by the "Southern California pop music" of the mid-late 1960s, particularly that of Glenn Campbell and Burt Bacharach.

The concert begins with Springsteen walking into a candle-lit barn, lit like a 70s cosmic outpost. He picks up his guitar and begins to play “Hitch Hikin’”, the lead track from his new album. As the song progresses, the camera shows us introspective yet powerful shots of the barn and the surrounding countryside. We get a glimpse of horses grazing in the field, a truck driving down the road, and the beauty of the night sky as stars twinkle in the background.

Throughout the concert, shots of horses and other animals are blended in as complementing visuals. The imagery not only perfectly sets the tone for the music but also creates a spiritual connection between nature, music, and the artist.

The show features Bruce Springsteen backed by a live orchestra, with songs ranging from intimate ballads to sweeping anthems. Patti Scialfa, his wife and longtime collaborator, also appears as a special guest alongside him in two of the songs. Springsteen uses stories of his own life to introduce the songs that he plays. He tells stories of the love he had with Patti, of riding horses in his younger days, of his hometown in New Jersey, and the Western lifestyle that inspired the album.

Many of the songs tell stories of perseverance, love, and loss. Standout tracks include “Stones”, a poignant ballad about growing old with a loved one, and “Hello Sunshine,” a song that celebrates the hope of new beginnings.

Western Stars is more than just a concert film, though. It is a true cinematic experience, with breathtaking scenery and impeccable production values. The interstitials in the movie include conversation with the artist, and vignettes that show real-life people chasing the American dream. These are interspersed with dreamy shots of a car driving down winding roads, neon-lit old buildings, and vintage Americana imagery. This unique concert film has been said to be the musical equivalent of Terrence Malick’s “Badlands” or “Days of Heaven”.

The influence of Western music is evident throughout the film, with Springsteen drawing from a wide range of influences, including Glen Campbell and Marty Robbins. The film’s closing track, “I’ll Stand by You,” even takes its title from a song by the British rock band, The Pretenders.

The film received critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising its artistry and poignant messages. It isn’t just an album performance or a concert, it is a cherished art piece that every Springsteen fan must watch. The movie has intertwined stunning visuals and music in such an organic and soul-touching way that it can make even non- Springsteen fans appreciate it.

In conclusion, Western Stars is a movie that successfully blends live music, storytelling, and stunning cinematography. Fans of Bruce Springsteen and country music will appreciate the authenticity and artistry of the film, while those less familiar with the genre will still find plenty to enjoy here. The film is a stunning achievement that must be watched on the big screen for the true and immersive experience that it is.

Western Stars is a 2019 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6 and a MetaScore of 80.