Bruce Springsteen never stops working.
Slashfilm reports that Bruce Springsteen is writing the song for the closing credits of Darren Aronofsky’s The Wrestler, and that the wait for the song is the reason the film has the final slot at the Venice Film Festival (really? do you mean way back whenever they were putting the festival schedule together Aronofsky grabbed the programmers and said, “Look can you do me a solid? I have a feeling Bruce is going to be running late with his song, so can you put us as far back on the schedule as possible?” This seems strange to me, but then again, maybe Venice only did its scheduling two weeks ago or something. Or maybe Bruce warned Aronofsky that he is continually touring so writing and recording doesn’t happen too easily? Oh well, who am I to question Slashfilm?).
Aronofsky had this to say about the song on his blog:
“bruce springsteen wrote a beautiful original song for the closing the film. called THE WRESTLER it is a wonderful acoustic piece. makes me choke up every time i hear it. he really captured the spirit of the film and mickey’s character in the piece.”
Mickey, of course, is Mickey Rourke, who stars in The Wrestler.
Meanwhile, CHUD reports that Springsteen might be taking part in one of Judd Apatow’s next projects, specifically the optimistically titled Funny People. Here’s how CHUD describes Bruce’s potential role:
He’s written into the script in a hilarious scene where he attempts to deliver some spiritual guidance. It’s sort of reminscent of his appearance in High Fidelity, but gives Bruce the chance to play a little self-deprecating. I don’t know if Apatow has gone out to Bruce with the role, and the part is written with enough wiggle room that it could be any wise rock star, but I do think Springsteen would be terrific if he accepts.
Hmm…any wise rock star. Well. That’s a short list, isn’t it?
As for The Wrestler theme song–I’m not a huge Bruce fan, although I do admire him immensely for staying on top for so long and retaining credibility. And every so often one of his songs does feel just right for a particular moment. Of course as a transplanted Jersey girl I also feel a certain kinship with the ultimate Jersey guy. But, all that said, I thought Streets of Philadelphia was just an awful, awful song (I also HATED the movie Philadelphia; maybe that makes the song seem worse to me than it really is), so I’m hoping the Boss nails this next movie theme attempt.
