These are the highlights of the movie.īut its similarities with “Sing Street” are even more prominent. Co-writer/director Gurinder Chadha (“Bend it Like Beckham”) dazzles us with electrifying versions of Springsteen classics “Born to Run”, “Thunder Road” and “Promised Land” performed in magical, mind-altering and perfectly choreographed sequences. In a number of ways, “Blinded by the Light” is similar to my two favorite films of 2016 - “La La Land” and “Sing Street”. Needing a hero, Jared is introduced to The Boss - and his life is changed forever. Nor does he understand Javed’s obsession with Springsteen (except that he thinks he might be Jewish, which he sees as a positive thing).ĭue to a high unemployment rate and social conflicts, times are tough for everyone in Luton, especially Pakistani outsiders. He doesn’t see value in his son’s passion for writing. As is Pakistani tradition, Javed’s father is very demanding. Javed, as aspiring writer, is starting at a local college in the town of Luton. He’s played by young Viveik Kalra, who gives a breakthrough performance. Manzoor is one of the film’s screenwriters, adapting material from his own 2007 memoir, Greetings from Bury Park. When Sarfraz Manzoor was living with his family in Britain in the late 80’s, it was the lyrics of Springsteen’s hits that helped him express his own feelings, come out of his shell and look at his life and future in a different way. “Blinded by the Light” is inspired by the music of Bruce Springsteen and the real-life story of a Pakistani teenager whose life was changed by Springsteen’s songs.
BLINDED BY THE LIGHT ELTON JOHN MOVIE
LightsCameraJackson CriticIn a movie summer that’s already showcased the music of Elton John and the Beatles, The Boss now gets his shot as headliner.